John VIII Palaiologos

John VIII Palaiologos
Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans
Detail from The Middle King by Benozzo Gozzoli, in the Magi Chapel of Palazzo Medici-Riccardi, Florence, 1459–1461. It is widely believed to represent John VIII.
Byzantine emperor
Reign21 July 1425 –
31 October 1448
Coronation19 January 1421
PredecessorManuel II Palaiologos
SuccessorConstantine XI Palaiologos
Proclamationc. 1407 as co-emperor
Born18 December 1392
Died31 October 1448(1448-10-31) (aged 55)
Spouse
(m. 1414; died 1417)
(1421⁠–⁠1426)
(m. 1427; died 1439)
DynastyPalaiologos
FatherManuel II Palaiologos
MotherHelena Dragaš
ReligionEastern Catholic
Previously Eastern Orthodox

John VIII Palaiologos or Palaeologus (Greek: Ἰωάννης Παλαιολόγος, romanizedIōánnēs Palaiológos; 18 December 1392 – 31 October 1448) was the penultimate Byzantine emperor. Ruling from 1425 to 1448, he attempted to bring about the reunification of the Orthodox and Catholic churches and prioritized the protection of Constantinople against the Ottoman Empire. He was succeeded by his brother, Constantine XI.