ANDRONICUS II., Palaeologus, emperor of Constantinople, was assisted in 1303 by a body of adventurers from the west of Europe, against the Ottomans, who were defeated; but the Greek Emperor found his allies not less destructive than his Asiatic enemies. By using bribes, threats, and force, he got rid of his troublesome friends. He was not, however, permitted to live in peace. His grandson Andronicus rebelled in 1320; and after a succession of contests, the elder competitor was forced to abdicate in 1328. During those disgraceful struggles, the common enemy, the Ottomans, completed the conquest of Bithynia, and advanced within sight of Constantinople. The younger Andronicus lived till 1341.