The Byzantine city of Mystras

The ancient Byzantine city of Mystras was once a thriving center of Byzantine culture and politics. From the 13th to the century 19, when the foundation of modern Sparta sounded the final death sentence of the citadel, Mystras was one of the major cities of the eastern Mediterranean. Although seismology time and have taken their money, Byzantine Mystras is still an impressive sight, a mixture of crumbling ruins with a cascade of wildflowers.

THE FOUNDATION OF Mystras by the Franks

Mystras, as we know, was founded in 1249 by the Crusaders Franks, who were trying to strengthen its position in the Peloponnese. They occupied the area in 1204, after the capture of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Guillaume II Villehardouin was responsible for building the castle from here, but the Byzantines regained control of the area in 1262. During the Battle of Pelagonia, in 1259, when the Principality of Achaea fought against the Greek Empire of Nicaea was captured Guillaume. Mystras, Monemvasia and with great hobby, was part of his ransom payment, and was traded to the Greeks. Although sporadic outbreaks of fighting continued, the Greeks dominated the Peloponnese for many years.

Byzantine Mystras

After 1262, the entire district, known as the Morea, was ruled by a Byzantine general based in Mistra. Struggling with the Franks continued for many years, leading to the inhabitants of the city of Sparta is moving behind the walls of protection of Byzantine Mystras. The population growth was the main reason for developing the site, the people of Full Blown defend the city and the center of culture. Instead of being solely a military garrison was built monasteries, churches and a library, and headquarters of the Bishop of Lacedaemonia was established here. Moreover, Mistra Byzantine rule became a permanent and hereditary position. Gradually, the site was tied to Constantinople, by blood and religious hierarchy.

THE Despotate

Throughout all periods of history, the strategic importance of the Peloponnese, as a crossroads for the Mediterranean Eastern influenced his cultural and political development. This importance was not different in the middle of the fourteenth century when the Franks and Turks continually attempted to seize the area. This, combined with political maneuvering the maze Byzantine Emperor John VI addressed to Katakouzenos sending his son, Manuel, to stop the infighting continues. This task he performed admirably and continued to develop the growth solution. Once again, political power struggles led to changes in the balance power in Byzantine Mistra. Manuel's nephew, Demetrius, tried to declare independence of the new emperor of Constantinople, John V Palaeologus, defeated and was relentless. The emperor's son, Theodore, took the reins of power in the area, and Mistra was ever more closely linked to the Byzantine sphere of influence.

Under of Palaeologus, the Byzantine Mistra influence grew and covered the whole of the Peloponnese. Despite continued internal bickering and external pressures, the city prospered for nearly 80 years until 1460. During this period, the strengthening of the Turkish presence in the Middle East was a major threat not only to Mistra, but the whole Empire Byzantine. In 1423, Turks attacked the Peloponnese, and the chaos caused, to Theodore II stabilized the area, with the help of his brother Constantine. After another Turkish invasion, in 1446, and a rebellion of ethnic Albanians in the Peloponnese, the tensions that surfaced. Some elements of the ruling class of the troubled alliance with the Turks, others wanted to seek help from the powers of America. A great army of the Turks under Mohammed II, invaded Byzantine Mystras, and a new period of domination Turkey began.

THE PERIOD OF TURKEY

For a long period of time until the Greek War of Independence, in 1825, the city of Mystra remained under Turkish rule. Without the authority of the Byzantine church, no longer carried the same amount of influence, but remained an important provincial capital. In 1464 and 1687, some attempts were made by the Venetians, to capture the citadel. 1687 The assault was a success and the city reached its maximum population of about 42 000. In 1714, the Turks recovered Mistra, and used it as a base against the Maniots problematic. This was the beginning of the end for the people, and by the end of the War Independence was a shadow of its former glory. The construction of the modern city of Sparta, in 1831, gave the final blow to Byzantine Mystras.

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About the Author:

Martyn is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Peloponnese area of Greece.

He specializes in science and philosophy articles, but will turn his hand to anything.

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