Origins & Early Life

Andreas Palaiologos (Greek: Ἀνδρέας Παλαιολόγος; 17 January 1453 – June 1502), sometimes anglicized to Andrew Palaeologus, was the eldest son of Thomas Palaiologos, Despot of the Morea. Thomas was a brother of Constantine XI Palaiologos, the final Byzantine emperor. After his father's death in 1465, Andreas was recognized as the titular Despot of the Morea and from 1483 onwards, he also claimed the title "Emperor of Constantinople" (Latin: Imperator Constantinopolitanus). After the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the subsequent Ottoman invasion of the Morea in 1460, Andreas's father fled to Corfu with his family.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After Thomas died in 1465, the then twelve-year-old Andreas moved to Rome and, as the eldest nephew of Constantine XI, became the head of the Palaiologos family and the chief claimant to the ancient imperial throne. Andreas's later use of the imperial title, never claimed by his father, was supported by some of the Byzantine refugees who lived in Italy and he hoped to one day restore the empire of his ancestors. Andreas married a Roman woman called Caterina. Though some primary sources allude to the possibility that he had children, there is no concrete evidence that Andreas...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Afonso de Albuquerque — Contemporary (Born in 1453) (1453): Portuguese general and conquistador who built the Asian Portuguese Empire.
• Constantine XI Palaiologos — Contemporary (Died in 1453) (1453): The final Byzantine Emperor, whose death marked the end of the Eastern Roman Empire.
• Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba — Contemporary (Born in 1453) (1453): Spanish general and statesman, renowned for military restructuring and the 'tercios'.
• Ahuitzotl — Contemporary (Died in 1502) (1502): Eighth Aztec ruler and Huey Tlatoani of Tenochtitlan, key to Aztec expansion.
• Gonzalo Pizarro — Contemporary (Born in 1502) (1502): Spanish conquistador, brother of Francisco Pizarro, key figure in the conquest of the Inca Empire.
• Hernando Pizarro — Contemporary (Born in 1502) (1502): Spanish conquistador and brother who ruled over Peru during the 16th century.
• Al Capone — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
• Alain Badiou — Shared historical date (01-17 · Born) (1937): Influential French philosopher known for 'Being and Event' and universalism.
• João Fernandes Lavrador — Historical peer (Born in 1453) (1453): Portuguese explorer known for early sightings on North America's northeast coasts.
• John III of Portugal — Historical peer (Born in 1502) (1502): King of Portugal (1521–1557), known as The Pious, who expanded the global Portuguese Empire.
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• 1502 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1502