Michael Palaiologos and the Publics of the Byzantine Empire in Exile, c.1223125 [Hardcover]

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. 1. Introduction: Meeting the Roman Public .- 2. Making Officials in Exile: The Case of the Palaiologoi .- 3. Linking the Golden Chain: The Social Network of Michael Palaiologos .- 4. Je veux ?tre calife ? la place du calife : Michael Palaiologos in the Saljuq Sultanate of Rum .- 5. The Return of the King : Michael Palaiologos Claims Imperial Dignity .- 6. Conclusion.

“Michael Palaiologos and the Publics of the Byzantine Empire in Exile succeeds in illuminating the intricacies of Michael's policy and their enduring impact on Byzantine statecraft, serving as the foundation for further research on governance strategies, power networks, and transclass actions, conceived as societal phenomena. Undoubtedly, it is a significant contribution to Byzantine studies.” (Lorenzo Maria Ciolfi, The Byzantine Review, Vol. 7, 2025)

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