Catherine Zaccaria facts for kids

Catherine Asenina Zaccaria (also known as Catherine Palaiologina) was an important lady from the 15th century. She was the daughter of Centurione II Zaccaria, who was the Prince of Achaea. Her mother was a Byzantine noblewoman from the famous Asen-Palaiologos and Tzamblakon families.

In September 1429, Catherine was engaged to Thomas Palaiologos. He was a Byzantine ruler known as the Despot of the Morea. They got married in January 1430 in a place called Mystras.

Life as a Despoina

Catherine lived in the Morea as Thomas's wife. She was known as the Despoina, a title similar to a princess or queen. Her life changed a lot when the Ottoman Empire conquered the Morea in 1460.

Important People Around Her

A historian named George Sphrantzes worked for Catherine's family. He wrote about her life in his book, Short History. Sphrantzes's wife, Eleni Tzamblakina, was also a relative of Catherine.

Catherine had an uncle named Kydonides Tzamblakon. He was very close to her husband, Thomas. In 1459, this uncle encouraged Thomas to fight against his own brother, Demetrios Palaiologos.

The Palace of Palaiologina

In a town called Kalavryta, there is a palace. People in the area call it "the palace of Palaiologina." It is believed that Constantine XI Palaiologos, who was Catherine's brother-in-law, gave it to her as a gift. This is how the palace got its name.

Leaving the Morea

After the Ottomans took over the Morea in 1460, Catherine and her family had to leave. They fled to the island of Corfu. At that time, Corfu was controlled by the Republic of Venice.

Catherine died on August 26, 1462, in Corfu. She was buried in the Monastery of Jason and Sosipatros.

Her Legacy and Eulogy

A smart scholar named Hermonymos Georgios wrote a special speech for Catherine. It was called an eulogy, which is a speech praising someone who has died. Hermonymos was close to Catherine's family. He wrote that he admired her deeply. In his speech, he called her "a divine empress" and "the most modest and bravest of women." This shows how much she was respected.

Her Children

Catherine and Thomas Palaiologos had four children together:

• Andreas Palaiologos
• Manuel Palaiologos
• Helena Palaiologina: She married Lazar Branković, who was the ruler of Serbia.
• Zoe Palaiologina: She later married Ivan III of Russia, a very important ruler in Russia.