Michael Kantakouzenos (died 1264)

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Michael Kantakouzenos (died 1264) was a Byzantine military leader who held the title megas konostaulos (Grand Constable) under Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. He is described by Pachymeres as one of the officers sent in 1263, under John Palaiologos, to campaign against Michael II, Despot of Epirus. After that campaign he was promoted to megas konostaulos.

The Chronicle of the Morea also mentions a Kantakouzenos who governed a Byzantine province in the Peloponnese in 1262 and who reported William II of Villehardouin’s aggression, which led Michael VIII to send an army to the Peloponnese. Some scholars think this unnamed Kantakouzenos could be the same man as Michael Kantakouzenos, though this is debated.

Michael Kantakouzenos was known as a brave soldier. He died early in the Battle of Makryplagi, and his death demoralized the Byzantine troops and contributed to their defeat. It is possible he was the grandfather of John VI Kantakouzenos, because John VI’s father is known to have served as a Peloponnesian governor; however, this is not certain.