On This Day In Roman History, February 13
The Byzantine Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos dies as a monk inside Constantinople on February 13, 1332. Andronikos had reigned since 1261 when he was proclaimed co-Emperor. Andronikos was plagued economically; he suffered during the decline of the Byzantine coin known as the Hyperpyron. He attempted to fix the treasury problem by increasing several taxes and dismantling the primary Byzantine fleet of 80 ships. This would subsequently pave the way for the reliance of foreign fleet protection primarily in the form of the Republic of Venice.
Did you know?
Many of Andronikos' victories would come in the form of diplomacy. He attempted to strengthen his empire's relations with that of the Latins, Serbians, and other Macedonian powers. This was done through a network of marriages that involved his daughters and other high-ranking family members. One of the more notable marriages was that of his 5-year-old daughter Simonis, whom Andronikos married off to King Stefan Milutin in 1298. This daughter was regarded later to be known for her purity and beauty. A fresco of her is noted as one of the most valuable pieces of Serbian art in the world.
Pictured: 14th Century fresco of Andronikos II Palaiologos, Byzantine emperor (1282-1328). Unknown author via Wikimedia Commons.
Opinion
I have discussed before in my opinion sections the rise of the great republics like that of Venice and Genoa. This is happening during this time, and is evident in the required hiring of their fleets for protection. Didn't Andronikos read any classical Roman history and study to see that a huge contributor to the fall of the once vast empire he claimed to still be a part of was due in part largely to Romans no longer having armies consisting of Romans? To be fair, one has to do what one has to do to make some money back up in that national treasury, but you really have to think Andronikos could have had a little historical context to help make his decision. He was Roman after all. My other opinion today is how in the name of all that is good was it morally acceptable, even in this time, to marry off a 5-year-old daughter? What the heck Andronikos, I know you were in a bit of a 13th-century Byzantine pinch... but come on.
Sources
Bartusis, M. C. (1997). The late Byzantine army arms and society, 1204-1453. Philadelphia Pa: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Fine, J. V. (2009). The late medieval Balkans: a critical survey from the late twelfth century to the Ottoman Conquest. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.
Grierson, P. (1999). Byzantine coinage. Washington, D.C.: Dumbarton Oaks Research Library and Collection.
Further Reading:
Special Thanks: Michael Houghan
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