Palaeologus family

The Palaeologus family was a Byzantine noble family that became the ruling dynasty of the Byzantine Empire from 1261 to 1453. They rose to prominence with Michael VIII Palaeologus, who restored Byzantine independence after Latin occupation and was crowned emperor. The family is known for efforts to strengthen the empire during a turbulent period, but their reign ended with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. Their legacy includes contributions to Byzantine culture and efforts to preserve the empire during its final centuries.