Michael IX Palaiologos
Michael IX Palaiologos was the eldest son of Andronikos II who served as co-emperor from 1294 until his death in 1320. He was an active military commander who led Byzantine forces in the field while his father managed court politics. His military record was mixed: he suffered defeats against both the Bulgarians and the Catalan Company, whose atrocities in Byzantine territories occurred partly on his watch. He died in October 1320, predeceased his father by eight years, reportedly from grief following the murder of his younger son Manuel by a member of the court. His death was followed almost immediately by the escalating civil war between his father Andronikos II and his own son Andronikos III, which tore the empire apart for seven years. Michael IX never reigned alone and never held sole imperial power, a co-emperor throughout his life.
- Lived: 1277 CE – 1320 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, co_emperor, military_leader
