John III Doukas

John III Doukas was a Byzantine noble and military leader who ruled the Despotate of Epirus, a semi-autonomous region in northwest Greece, from 1237 to 1244. He was part of the powerful Doukas family, known for their influence in Byzantine politics and military affairs. John III sought to strengthen his territory and consolidate power amid the divided Byzantine Empire after the Fourth Crusade. His leadership was marked by efforts to expand and defend Epirus, but he faced challenges from both neighboring rivals and external forces during a turbulent period of Byzantine history.