European Kingdoms

Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire
Rival Eastern Emperors in Epirus (Thessalonica) (AD 1204-1340)

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In AD 395, the Roman empire finally split permanently, creating formal Eastern Roman and Western Roman empires, acknowledging what had existed in practise for many years.

Claimants to the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) throne set up rival powerbases, including this one in the territory of the former Greek kingdom of Epirus. Its territory also included the principality of Arbanon (Arbër in Albanian), centred on Croia (Kruja) in the central northern section of modern Albania.

For members of the Jewish Diaspora who were citizens of the fractured empire, especially the long-term resident Romaniote Jews, conditions abruptly worsened. Anti-Semitic legislation was now more easy to pass in smaller states, and the Jews seemed to bear the brunt of it. Theodore Ducas especially targeted them, but only after his declaration of imperial status in 1227. The suspicion is that he needed to confiscate Jewish property in order to meet a desperate shortfall in his funds.

(Information by Peter Kessler, and from External Links: Encyclopædia Britannica, and Jewish Encyclopaedia, and History of the Byzantine Empire (Live Science).)

1204 - 1215

Descendant of the Ducas dynasty emperors.

1215 - 1230

Emperor in Thessalonica 1227-30. Captured by Ivan II Asen.

1224

The Crusader kingdom of Thessalonica is gained, and the Epirians move their court there. From 1231, Michael II rules Epirus as a subsidiary state.

1230

Ivan II Asen wins the Battle of Klokotnitsa, crushing the forces of Theodore Komnenos Doukas (Ducas) of the empire of Thessalonica. Theodore's empire soon collapses, allowing Ivan Asen to take possession of great swathes of Macedonia, Thessaly, and Thrace. Theodore himself is captured and held for the next seven years while his brother, Michael, takes command of his remaining territories.

1230 - 1237

Emperor in Thessalonica.

1237 - 1242

Emperor in Thessalonica.

1242

John is defeated by John III Ducas Vatatzes of Nicæa, and is reduced to a despot.

1242 - 1244

Despot.

1244 - 1246

Despot.

1246

Thessalonica falls to John III Ducas Vatatze of Nicæa. Epirus is isolated.

An icon showing four episodes from the life of Christ probably painted in Thessalonica, which was the most important artistic centre in the crumbling empire after Constantinople

1231 - 1271

Granted title of despot of Epirus by John III in 1249.

1271 - 1296

1296 - 1318

1213 - 1323

1323 - 1335

1335 - 1337

Re-established his claim in 1340.

1337 & 1340

Epirus absorbed by Byzantine Emperor Andronicus III.