Demetrios I Kantakouzenos

Demetrios I Kantakouzenos (Greek: Δημήτριος Καντακουζηνός) was transitional governor of the Morea in 1383. Demetrios was the son of Matthew Kantakouzenos, governor of the Morea, and Irene Palaiologina.

Byzantine emperor John V Palaiologos decided in 1381 to replace Matthew with his son Theodore I Palaiologos. Using all possible diplomatic tricks Matthew Kantakouzenos tried to block that decision but without success. During his last few months, Matthew resigned his power to Demetrios and gave him the task of making a smooth and peaceful transition of power from the Kantakouzenos family to the Palaiologos family. Demetrios' grandson, Manuel, in 1453, a short time after the fall of Constantinople, tried to take power in Morea.

Children

His exact number of children or further descendants is unknown. The list of possible children or grandchildren includes:

• Georgios Palaiologos Kantakouzenos, "Sachatai" (d. circa 1456-59), scholar and military commander, defended Smederevo during a Hungarian attack in 1456
  • Andronikos Palaiologos Kantakouzenos (d. June 3/4, 1453, executed), the last Grand Domestic of the Byzantine Empire
  • Thomas Kantakouzenos (d. July 25, 1463 in Adrianople), diplomat for Đurađ Branković, Despot of Serbia
  • Helena Kantakouzene (d. circa November 1, 1463 in Adrianople), Empress of Trebizond, wife of David Komnenos, Emperor of Trebizond
• N. Kantakouzene

References

• Kantakuzenos family

Demetrios I Kantakouzenos Palaiologos dynasty Born: unknown Died: unknown
Regnal titles
Preceded by Matthew Kantakouzenos	Despot of the Morea 1383–1383	Succeeded by Theodore I Palaiologos

Persondata
Name	Kantakouzenos, Demetrios
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