John VIII Palaeologus

John VIII (1390-Constantinople October 31, 1448), surnamed Palaeologus, Byzantine emperor, son of Manuel II, succeeded to the throne in 1425.

To secure protection against the Turks he visited the pope and consented to the union of the Greek and Roman churches, which was ratified at Florence in 1439. The union failed of its purpose, but by his prudent conduct towards the Ottomans he succeeded in holding possession of Constantinople, and in 1432 withstood a siege by Sultan Murad I.

He was succeeded by his brother Constantine XI

This entry was originally from the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica.

Preceded by: Manuel II

Byzantine emperors

Succeeded by: Constantine XI