Brownworth portrays John VIII as a well-intentioned but ultimately failed ruler who undid Manuel's careful diplomatic work. He traveled to Rome hoping the Turkish menace was self-evident and a crusade imminent, was horrified to find Europe still asleep to the danger, and ultimately promised to convert the empire to Catholicism. After signing the hated decree of union, he returned to riots in his capital, saw the crusading army annihilated, and died a broken man.
Also known as: John VIII Palaiologos
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Episode 16 (2 mentions)
Brownworth portrays John VIII as a well-intentioned but ultimately failed ruler who undid Manuel's careful diplomatic work. He traveled to Rome hoping the Turkish menace was self-evident and a crusade imminent, was horrified to find Europe still asleep to the danger, and ultimately promised to convert the empire to Catholicism. After signing the hated decree of union, he returned to riots in his capital, saw the crusading army annihilated, and died a broken man.
“His oldest son, John VIII, who succeeded him on the throne, undid much of his careful”
“In a few hours' time, the crusading army was completely annihilated, and John VIII,”
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