Michael Palaiologos and the Publics of the Byzantine Empire in Exile, C.1223-1259

This book follows the public life of Michael Palaiologos from his early days and upbringing, through to his assumption of the Byzantine imperial throne in 1258. It explores multiple narratives, highlighting the various public communities in the Byzantine polity, primarily focusing on intellectuals and clerks rather than the emperor himself. Drawing on insights from power relations, studies of class and the public sphere, this book provides an account of thirteenth-century Byzantium that highlights the role of communicative and symbolic actions in the public sphere, and argues they were integral to Palaiologos’ political success.

Aleksandar Jovanovic is Sessional Instructor in History at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, Canada.