MICHAEL VIII., Palaeologus, Emperor of Constantinople, was born, as his name indicates, of the ancient and noble race of the Palaeologi, in the year 1234; and at an early age was so distinguished as a soldier and statesman as to be raised to the dignity of constable or commander of the French mercenaries. Although by his generosity and affability he gained the affections of the army and populace, his ambition rendered him an object of fear and suspicion to the court, and involved him in dangers from which it required all his courage and prudence to effect his escape. On the death of Theodore II., who had more than once unjustly attempted his life, Michael took part in the conspiracy by which Muzalon, one of the guardians of the young successor to the throne, was murdered; and succeeded in getting himself appointed regent in his stead. Shortly afterwards Michael was crowned emperor at Nice; and his reign was rendered illustrious by the recovery of Constantinople in 1261. This emperor died in 1282, after a troubled reign of twenty-two years, during the course of which, though stained with many cruelties and crimes, he restored by his vigour and ability the decayed fortunes of the Greek empire. (For further information respecting these emperors, see CONSTANTINOPOLITAN HISTORY.)