Michael VIII Palaiologos, born in 1224, reigned as Byzantine emperor from 1261 until his death in 1282. He was previously co-emperor of the Empire of Nicaea from 1259 to 1261 and founded the Palaiologan dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine Empire until 1453. Michael VIII recovered Constantinople from the Latin Empire in 1261, transforming the Empire of Nicaea into a restored Byzantine Empire. His reign marked a significant recovery of Byzantine power, including the expansion of the army and navy, the reconstruction of Constantinople, and the re-establishment of the University of Constantinople, contributing to the Palaeologan Renaissance.Michael was the son of Andronikos Doukas Komnenos Palaiologos and Theodora Angelina Palaiologina. He rose to prominence early, serving as governor of Thracian towns. In 1253, he faced accusations of plotting against Emperor John III Vatatzes but proved his innocence through a trial by ordeal. After a period of service with the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, he returned to Nicaea and, following the death of Theodore II Laskaris in 1258, orchestrated a coup against the influential bureaucrat George Mouzalon, seizing control of the young Emperor John IV Laskaris. Michael was proclaimed emperor in 1259.In 1259, Michael VIII achieved a crucial victory at the Battle of Pelagonia, neutralizing threats from the West. Despite an unsuccessful attempt to capture Constantinople in 1260, he secured the city in 1261 through the treachery of his general Alexios Strategopoulos. Upon entering Constantinople, he abolished Latin customs and reinstated Byzantine traditions, significantly increasing the city's population. To eliminate any rival claims to the throne, he blinded John IV and married off his sisters to prevent future threats to his dynasty.Michael VIII faced challenges from Charles of Anjou, who sought to restore Latin rule in Constantinople. He attempted to negotiate alliances, including with the Pope and Manfred of Sicily, but faced military setbacks, including defeats in Morea and against the Tatars. Despite these challenges, he demonstrated diplomatic skills, negotiating treaties with Venice and the Mamluks. His reign was marked by ongoing conflict with Charles, who sought to conquer Byzantium.In 1274, Michael VIII attended the Second Council of Lyon, where a formal act of union between the Eastern and Western churches was established. This union aimed to legitimize his rule and diminish Charles's influence. However, it faced significant opposition within Byzantine society, leading to unrest and violent reprisals against anti-unionists. Michael's military campaigns in Bulgaria and Thessaly yielded mixed results, with some victories but also significant defeats.Michael VIII's later years were marked by the Sicilian Vespers rebellion, which disrupted Charles's plans to invade Byzantium. He died on 11 December 1282 in Thrace and was buried in a monastery due to his controversial actions regarding the church. His reign saw the temporary revival of the Byzantine navy and the establishment of a dynasty that would last nearly two centuries, although his policies ultimately weakened the Anatolian frontier and left the empire vulnerable to future threats.