Michael IX Palaeologus
| Michael IX Palaiologos | |
|---|---|
Michael IX Palaiologos
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| Emperor of the Byzantine Empire | |
| Reign | 1294 or 1295 – 12 October 1320 |
| Coronation | 1294 or 1295 |
| Predecessor | Andronikos II Palaiologos (alone) |
| Successor | Andronikos II Palaiologos (alone), Andronikos III (usurper in Macedonia, from 1321-1325) |
| Co-monarch | Andronikos II Palaiologos |
| Born | 17 April 1277 Constantinople, Byzantine Empire |
| Died | 12 October 1320 (aged 43) Thessalonica, Byzantine Empire |
| Spouse | Rita of Armenia |
| Issue |
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| House | House of Palaiologos |
| Father | Andronikos II Palaiologos |
| Mother | Anna of Hungary |
Michael IX Palaiologos or Palaeologus (Greek: Μιχαήλ Θ΄ Παλαιολόγος, Mikhaēl IX Palaiologos), (17 April 1277 – 12 October 1320, Thessalonica, reigned as Byzantine co-emperor with full imperial style 1294/1295–1320. Michael IX was the eldest son of Andronikos II Palaiologos and Anna of Hungary (1260-1281), daughter of Stephen V of Hungary.
Michael IX Palaiologos was acclaimed co-emperor in 1281 and was crowned in 1294 or 1295. In 1300, he was sent at the head of Alanian mercenaries against the Turks in Asia Minor, and in 1304–1305 he was charged with dealing with the rebellious Catalan Company. After successfully organizing the murder of the Catalan commander Roger de Flor in an elaborate plot, Michael IX led the Byzantine troops (augmented by Turks and 5–8,000 Alans) against the furious Catalans (who swore revenge for the assassination of their commander), but was decisively defeated at the Battle of Apros. He was also heavily injured during that battle; a Catalan soldier named Bernad Ferrer seized him, whipped him and slashed his face.
A brave and energetic soldier willing to make personal sacrifices to pay or encourage his troops, Michael IX was generally unable to overcome the Catalans and is the only Palaiologan emperor to predecease his father. Michael IX's premature death at age 43 was attributed in part to grief over the accidental murder of his younger son Manuel Palaiologos by retainers of his older son and co-emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos.
Michael IX Palaiologos married Rita of Armenia (renamed Maria, later nun Xene), daughter of King Leo III of Armenia and Queen Keran of Armenia on 16 January 1294. By this marriage, Michael IX had several children, including:
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