John II of Trebizond facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John II Megas Komnenos
Emperor and Autocrat of all the East, of the Iberians and of Perateia
Coin depicting John II Megas Komnenos
Emperor of Trebizond
Reign	June 1280 – 16 August 1297 (Briefly deposed by Theodora Megale Komnene 1284–1285)
Predecessor	George
Successor	Alexios II
Died	16 August 1297 Limnia (modern-day Turkey)
Burial	Panagia Chrysokephalos Church, Trebizond (modern-day Ortahisar, Trabzon, Turkey)
Spouse	Eudokia Palaiologina
Issue	Alexios II Megas Komnenos Michael Megas Komnenos
Dynasty	Komnenos
Father	Manuel I Megas Komnenos
Mother	Irene Syrikaina

John II Megas Komnenos (born around 1262 – died August 16, 1297) was an important ruler of the Empire of Trebizond. He was Emperor from June 1280 until his death in 1297. John was the youngest son of Emperor Manuel I. He became emperor after his brother George was betrayed by his officials.

During John's reign, the rulers of Trebizond changed their official title. Before him, they used the traditional title of the Byzantine emperors: "Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans". From John II onwards, they called themselves "Emperor and Autocrat of all the East, the Iberians, and the Transmarine Provinces". This new title reflected their actual power and lands.

John II is one of the first rulers of Trebizond about whom we have a good amount of information. The writings of Michael Panaretos give us many details about his reign. Other historical records also add to our knowledge. Emperor John II faced many challenges, which led him to marry the daughter of the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos.

Early Life and Becoming Emperor

John was born around 1262 or 1263. His father was Manuel I, who ruled from 1238 to 1263. His mother was Irene Syrikaina.

John's time as emperor started with many difficulties. He took the throne in June 1280. This happened after his brother George was betrayed and died.

Challenges to John's Rule

Dealing with the Byzantine Empire

In 1281, John received a message from Michael VIII Palaiologos, the Byzantine Emperor. Michael sent two important people, George Acropolites and a church leader named Xiphilinos. Their goal was to convince John to stop using the title "Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans".

Michael VIII believed only he had the right to this title. He had taken control of Constantinople from the Latin Empire. Also, some people who disagreed with Michael's religious policies saw John as a possible leader for the Eastern Orthodox Church. Michael treated his opponents harshly.

John's family had always used the imperial title. So, John refused Michael's offer to marry his daughter in exchange for giving up the title. He said his nobles would not let him give it up.

Rebellions and Marriage

After Acropolites left Trebizond, John faced a rebellion led by a man named Papadopoulos. This revolt took control of the main fortress and made John a prisoner. Historians believe Byzantine agents might have been involved in this uprising. This event certainly changed John's mind about the marriage.

A second group of messengers from Michael VIII arrived. They offered the marriage deal again. This time, John agreed to marry Michael's daughter, Eudokia Palaiologina. However, he still said he could not give up his imperial title. The people of Trebizond were proud of their emperor's title and royal symbols.

When John traveled to Constantinople for the wedding, he was asked to remove his purple boots and imperial robes. This was a sign of respect for Michael Palaiologos. In return, Michael gave John the title of Despot. Michael died before the wedding took place.

Attacks and Family Conflicts

While John was away in Constantinople, David VI Narin, the King of Imereti in Georgia, attacked Trebizond. He tried to capture the capital city but failed. However, the Georgians did take over some areas.

John returned to Trebizond on April 25, 1282, with his new wife, Eudokia Palaiologina. Soon after, he faced more problems. His older brother, George, tried to take the throne but failed. Then, his half-sister Theodora briefly removed him from power in 1284. She ruled for a short time before suddenly leaving Trebizond. John was back on the throne by 1285.

Later Reign and Death

The historical records do not give many details about the rest of John's reign. It is known that during his time, the Turks attacked and took over the region of Chalybia. This caused many places to become empty.

In the 1290s, John II ordered the building of the Ünye fortress. This fortress was on the western border of his empire.

John died at Limnia in 1297. When his son Alexios became emperor, the western part of the empire was under heavy attack from enemies. Only a few towns and forts remained under Trebizond's control. John might have been leading his army against the enemy when he died.

His body was brought back to the capital and buried in the Panagia Chrysokephalos Church. Paintings of John and his wife Eudokia were once seen in the church of St. Gregory of Nyssa. These paintings showed John wearing robes with a single-headed eagle, which was a special symbol for the Komnenos rulers of Trebizond. Eudokia's robes had the double-headed eagle of the Byzantine Empire.

Foreign Relations

In the later part of John's reign, his empire started to get attention from Western countries. For most of the 1200s, Trebizond was not a major focus for Western leaders.

Western Interest and Trade

This changed in the 1290s. Pope Nicholas IV wrote two letters in 1291. He invited John II to become Catholic and join a new crusade to take back the Holy Land. He also asked John to be a representative to the Mongols.

The next year, an English group traveling to the Mongols passed through Trebizond. John did not help them much, except by lending them his palace chef. This chef showed them how to cook local foods.

Around this time, traders from Genoa in Italy set up a trading post in Trebizond. This might have happened as early as 1290. Records show an English group met a Genoese merchant there. Also, in the early 1290s, the Franciscan religious order built a convent in Trebizond. This convent was a base for their religious work in Anatolia. It also provided priests to help the Genoese traders in the city.

Family and Successors

John II and Eudokia Palaiologina had two sons:

• Alexios II, who became the next emperor.
• Michael.