Politics & Government

Deposition and Blinding of John IV Laskaris

John IV Laskaris, aged eleven, was deposed and blinded by Michael VIII Palaiologos, who sought to consolidate his power over the restored Eastern Roman Empire. The act took place in Constantinople, the heart of the empire, as Palaiologos aimed to eliminate any potential threats from rival claimants to the throne. This shocking decision was made despite John IV's status as the legitimate heir, exposing the ruthless political maneuvers characteristic of the era.

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