The Despotate of Epiros 1267–1479: A Contribution to the History of Greece in the Middle Ages

by Donald M. Nicol

The district of Epiros in north-western Greece became an independent province following the Fourth Crusade and the dismemberment of the Byzantine Empire by the Latins in 1204. It retained its independence despite the recovery of Constantinople by the Greeks in 1261. Each of its rulers acquired the Byzantine titles of Despot, from which the term Despotate was coined to describe their territory. They preserved their autonomy partly by seeking support from their foreign neighbours in Italy. The fortunes of Epiros were thus affected by the expansionist plans of the Angevin kings of Naples and the commercial interests of Venice. Until 1318 it was governed by direct descendants of its Byzantine founder. Thereafter it was taken over first by the Italian family of Orsini, then conquered by the Serbians, infiltrated by the Albanians, and appropriated by an Italian adventurer, Carlo Tocco. Like the rest of Byzantium and eastern Europe it was ultimately absorbed into the Ottoman Empire in the fifteenth century. The Despotate of Epiros illuminates part of Byzantine history and of the history of Greece in the Middle Ages.

Genres: History

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 30, 1984

About the author

Donald MacGillivray Nicol was an English Byzantinist.

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely delightful. Sadly neglected by Byzantine and western historians alike, this great work covers the history of medieval epirus. Learn about Byzantine despots, Turkish incursions, Albanian warlords, Italian adventures, and much more!

[Alexandros Spyrou · Rating 5 out of 5]

perfect... the Despotat of Epirus is a facinating story