# Mystras > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mystras > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Mystras.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras > Source revision: 1354587574 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) World Heritage Site in Peloponnese, Greece "Mistra" redirects here. For the bay in Malta, see [Mistra Bay](/source/Mistra_Bay). For the sedan sold in China, see [Hyundai Mistra](/source/Hyundai_Mistra). Municipal unit in Greece Mystras Μυστράς Municipal unit Archeological Site of Mystras Location within the regional unit Mystras Coordinates: 37°4′N 22°23′E / 37.067°N 22.383°E / 37.067; 22.383 Country Greece Administrative region Peloponnese Regional unit Laconia Municipality Sparta Area • Municipal unit 131.9 km2 (50.9 sq mi) Elevation 310 m (1,020 ft) Population (2021)[1] • Municipal unit 4,238 • Municipal unit density 32.13/km2 (83.22/sq mi) • Community 724 Time zone UTC+2 (EET) • Summer (DST) UTC+3 (EEST) Postal code 231 00 Area code 27310 Vehicle registration ΑΚ UNESCO World Heritage Site Official name Archaeological Site of Mystras Criteria Cultural: ii, iii, iv Reference 511 Inscription 1989 (13th Session) Area 54.43 ha Buffer zone 1,202.52 ha Mystras in 2026 **Mystras** or **Mistras** ([Greek](/source/Greek_language): Μυστρᾶς/Μιστρᾶς),[2] also known in the *[Chronicle of the Morea](/source/Chronicle_of_the_Morea)* as **Myzethras** or **Myzithras** (Μυζηθρᾶς), is a fortified town and a former [municipality](/source/Communities_and_Municipalities_of_Greece) in [Laconia](/source/Laconia), [Peloponnese](/source/Peloponnese_(region)), [Greece](/source/Greece). Situated in the [Taygetus](/source/Taygetus) range, above ancient [Sparta](/source/Sparta), and below a "[Frankish](/source/Frankokratia)" castle,[3] it served as the capital of the [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine) [Despotate of the Morea](/source/Despotate_of_the_Morea) in the 14th and 15th centuries, experiencing a period of prosperity and cultural flowering during the [Palaeologan Renaissance](/source/Palaeologan_Renaissance), attracting artists, architects, and intellectuals such as [Gemistos Plethon](/source/Gemistos_Plethon).[2] The last [Byzantine emperor](/source/Byzantine_emperor), [Constantine XI Palaiologos](/source/Constantine_XI_Palaiologos), was despot of Mystras before coming to the throne of [Constantinople](/source/Constantinople). Mystras remained inhabited throughout the [Ottoman period](/source/Ottoman_Greece), when foreign travellers mistook it for ancient Sparta. In the 1830s, it was abandoned and the new town of [Sparta](/source/Sparti_(municipality)) was built, approximately eight kilometres to the east. The 2011 local government reform attached it to the municipality of Sparta.[4] As an exceptionally well-preserved example of a Byzantine city and because of its testimony to the development of Late Byzantine and Post-byzantine art, Mystras was inscribed on the [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) [World Heritage List](/source/World_Heritage_List) in 1989.[5] ## Description Mystras is situated on a slope of the [Taygetos](/source/Taygetos) mountains. The archaeological site stands above the modern village of Mystras and the city of Sparta. The greenery surrounding the area is composed mainly of pines and cypresses. There are small rivers and lakes nearby.[6] The city's architecture was influenced by the "Helladic" school of Byzantine architecture, and many structures were informed by the architecture of Constantinople.[5] Its overall urban planning though was shaped by the steeply sloping topography, with distinct upper and lower city zones.[3] The slope made wheeled vehicles impractical, so many of the streets are best characterized as footpaths.[3] The main use of a terrace is for the Palace of the Despots (#8 on the plan below), and markets seem to have been located outside of the city walls.[3] The Palace of the Despots expanded over the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and included several independent, adjoining units. The final main building follows the form of the [Tekfur saray](/source/Tekfur_Saray) in Constantinople/Istanbul: three stories with the topmost devoted to a large audience hall, and the lower levels used for apartments and storerooms.[3] During the [Palaeologan Renaissance](/source/Palaeologan_Renaissance), the churches of Mystras were covered in elaborate frescoes and were well known for their libraries.[5] Some of these decorations can still be seen in the [Hagia Sophia](/source/Hagia_Sophia%2C_Mystras) church in the archeological site. In addition to the Palace of the Despots and its famed late Byzantine churches, Mystras also has remains of several houses set on its hillside, such as the Frangopoulos House and the Laskaris House, both of which are early fifteenth-century buildings that use vaulted substructures for cisterns and stables to create a platform for the main residence. That consisted of a large room fronted by a balcony and with a fireplace in the rear.[3] ## History ### Foundation and Frankish rule Mystras, 1686. [Pantanassa Monastery](/source/Pantanassa_Monastery) detail In late 1248, [William II of Villehardouin](/source/William_II_of_Villehardouin), ruler of the [Frankish](/source/Frankokratia) [Principality of Achaea](/source/Principality_of_Achaea), captured [Monemvasia](/source/Monemvasia), the last remaining [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine) outpost on the [Morea](/source/Morea). This success was soon followed by the submission of the restive [Tsakones](/source/Tsakones) on [Mount Parnon](/source/Mount_Parnon), the [Slavic](/source/Slavs) [Melingoi](/source/Melingoi) tribe of [Mount Taygetos](/source/Mount_Taygetos), and the inhabitants of the [Mani peninsula](/source/Mani_peninsula), thereby extending his sway over all of [Laconia](/source/Laconia) and completing the conquest of the peninsula, which had begun in 1205, in the aftermath of the [Fourth Crusade](/source/Fourth_Crusade).[7] Laconia was incorporated into the princely domain, and the young prince passed the winter of 1248–49 there, touring the country and selecting sites for new fortifications such as [Grand Magne](/source/Grand_Magne) and [Leuktron](/source/Leuctra_(Laconia)); finally, near his residence of Lacedaemon (ancient [Sparta](/source/Sparta)), on a spur of Mount Taygetos, he built the fortress that came to be known as Mystras.[2][8] ### Byzantine restoration In September 1259, William of Villehardouin was defeated and captured, along with many of his nobles, at the [Battle of Pelagonia](/source/Battle_of_Pelagonia), by the forces of the [Nicaean emperor](/source/Nicaean_emperor) [Michael VIII Palaiologos](/source/Michael_VIII_Palaiologos). Two years later, the Nicaeans recaptured [Constantinople](/source/Constantinople), putting an end to the [Latin Empire](/source/Latin_Empire) and restoring the [Byzantine Empire](/source/Byzantine_Empire). At this point, the emperor concluded an agreement with the captive prince: William and his men would be set free in exchange for an oath of fealty, and for the cession of Monemvasia, Grand Magne, and Mystras.[9] The handover was effected in 1262, and henceforth Mystras was the seat of the governor of the Byzantine territories in the Morea. Initially this governor (*[kephale](/source/Kephale_(Byzantine_Empire))*) was changed every year, but after 1308 they started being appointed for longer terms.[2] Almost immediately on his return to the Morea, William of Villehardouin renounced his oath to the emperor, and warfare broke out between Byzantines and Franks. The first Byzantine attempts to subdue the Principality of Achaea were beaten back in the battles of [Prinitsa](/source/Battle_of_Prinitsa) and [Makryplagi](/source/Battle_of_Makryplagi), but the Byzantines were firmly ensconced in Laconia. Warfare became endemic, and the Byzantines slowly pushed the Franks back.[10] The insecurity engendered by the raids and counter-raids caused the inhabitants of Lacedaemon to abandon their exposed city and settle at Mystras, in a new town built under the shadow of the fortress. While Mystras served as the provincial capital from this time, it became a royal capital in 1349 CE, when the first despot was appointed to rule over the Morea. The Byzantine Emperor [John VI Kantakouzenos](/source/John_VI_Kantakouzenos), reorganized the territory in 1349 to establish it as an [appanage](/source/Appanage) for his son, the [Despot](/source/Despot_(court_title)) [Manuel Kantakouzenos](/source/Manuel_Kantakouzenos). From 1349 until its surrender to the [Ottoman Turks](/source/Ottoman_Turks) on 31 May 1460, Mystras was the residence of a [Despot](/source/Despot_(court_title)) who ruled over the Byzantine Morea, known as the "[Despotate of the Morea](/source/Despotate_of_the_Morea)". For the larger portion of his reign, Manuel maintained peaceful relations with his Latin neighbors and secured a long period of prosperity for the area. Greco-Latin cooperation included an alliance to contain the raids of the Ottoman Sultan [Murad I](/source/Murad_I) into Morea in the 1360s. The rival [Palaiologos](/source/Palaiologos) dynasty seized the Morea after Manuel's death in 1380, with [Theodore I Palaiologos](/source/Theodore_I_Palaiologos) becoming despot in 1383. Theodore ruled until 1407, consolidating Byzantine rule and coming to terms with his more powerful neighbours—particularly the expansionist [Ottoman Empire](/source/Ottoman_Empire), whose [suzerainty](/source/Suzerainty) he recognised.[11] This was the city's golden age; according to the *[Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium](/source/Oxford_Dictionary_of_Byzantium)*, Mystras "witnessed a remarkable cultural renaissance, including the teaching of [Plethon](/source/Plethon), and attracted artists and architects of the highest quality"[2] #### Centre of learning and culture Mystras was the last centre of Byzantine learning and culture; the famous [Neoplatonist](/source/Neoplatonism) philosopher [Gemistos Plethon](/source/Gemistos_Plethon) lived there until he died in 1452. While there, Plethon served as a tutor and advisor to the young [despot](/source/Despotism) Theodore II until his death in 1452. He and other scholars based in Mystras influenced the [Italian Renaissance](/source/Italian_Renaissance), especially after he accompanied the emperor [John VIII Palaiologos](/source/John_VIII_Palaiologos) to [Florence](/source/Florence) in 1439. ### Ottoman and Venetian years The last Byzantine emperor, [Constantine XI Palaiologos](/source/Constantine_XI_Palaiologos), was despot at Mystras before he came to the throne. [Demetrios Palaiologos](/source/Demetrios_Palaiologos), the last despot of Morea, surrendered the city to Sultan [Mehmed II](/source/Mehmed_II) in 30 May 1460.[12] Under Ottoman rule it became part of the [Sanjak of Mezistre](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sanjak_of_Mezistre&action=edit&redlink=1). The [Venetians](/source/Republic_of_Venice) [occupied it](/source/Kingdom_of_the_Morea) from 1687 to 1715, but otherwise the Ottomans held it until 1821. The city joined the [Orlov revolt](/source/Orlov_revolt) in 1770. It was looted by [Ottoman Albanians](/source/Albania_under_the_Ottoman_Empire) and the metropolitan bishop Ananias executed, despite having saved several Albanian lives in the uprising. A great number of local Greeks were also killed by the Albanian groups, while several children were sold into slavery.[13] Mystras was left in ruins and this event was a significant factor leading up to its abandonment. ### Modern years Photo of the palace in Mistra, Mystras Greece The final straw for Mystras came in 1825 during the [Greek war of Independence](/source/Greek_War_of_Independence) when Egyptians under the rule of Ibrahim massacred the local population and destroyed the local area.[14] The town was rebuilt 9 km away under the name [Sparta](/source/Sparta%2C_Laconia) in 1831. Most families moved to Sparta, but a few decided to move instead to New Mystras, a small village in the countryside. This process of relocation was completed in 1953 when the remaining properties were confiscated by the municipality.[6] In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a [UNESCO](/source/UNESCO) [World Heritage Site](/source/World_Heritage_Site) and features a museum and the partially restored ruins of the city. The only inhabitants today are a group of nuns who reside in the Pantanassa Monastery. The majority of the most important churches are still standing, including St. Demetrios, the [Hagia Sophia](/source/Hagia_Sophia%2C_Mystras), St. George, and the Monastery of Peribleptos. The Palace of the Despots, the only [Byzantine](/source/Byzantine_Empire) [palace](/source/Palace) existing today, has undergone substantial restorations in the past decade and is reopening in May 2026, making it a significant attraction.[15] Visitors can reach the ruins via the modern city of [Sparti](/source/Sparta%2C_Laconia), which is only a few miles from Mystras. ## Subdivisions The municipal unit Mystras is subdivided into the following communities: - Agia Eirini - Agios Ioannis Lakedaimonas - [Anavryti](/source/Anavryti%2C_Laconia) - Barsinikos - Longastra - [Magoula](/source/Magoula), the former municipal seat of Mystras. - Mystras - Paroreio - Soustianoi - Trypi ### Historical population Year Municipal district Municipal unit 1981 920 – 1991 525 4,592 2001 807 4,608 2011 832 4,265 2021 724 4,238 ## Notable people [Gemistus Pletho](/source/Gemistus_Pletho) ### People from Mystras - [Manuel Kantakouzenos](/source/Manuel_Kantakouzenos), first Despot of Morea ### People buried in Mystras - [John VI Kantakouzenos](/source/John_VI_Kantakouzenos) - [Manuel Kantakouzenos](/source/Manuel_Kantakouzenos) - [Gemistos Plethon](/source/Gemistos_Plethon) - [Theodora Tocco](/source/Theodora_Tocco) - [Cleofe Malatesta](/source/Cleofe_Malatesta) ## Plan Plan of Mystras after works by G. Millet (1910) and M. Chatzidakis (1981). - 1. Main entrance; - 2. Metropolis; - 3. Evangelistria Church; - 4. Church of Saints Theodores; - 5. [Hodigitria-Afendiko](/source/Brontochion_Monastery); - 6. Monemvasia Gate; - 7. Church of Saint Nicholas; - 8. Despot's Palace and square; - 9. [Nauplia](/source/Nauplion) Gate; - 10. Upper entrance to the citadel; - 11. [Church of Hagia Sophia](/source/Hagia_Sophia%2C_Mystras); - 12. Small Palace; - 13. Citadel; - 14. Mavroporta; - 15. [Pantanassa](/source/Pantanassa_Monastery); - 16. Church of the Taxiarchs; - 17. House of [John Phrangopoulos](/source/John_Phrangopoulos); - 18. [Peribleptos Monastery](/source/Peribleptos_Monastery%2C_Mystras); - 19. Church of Saint George; - 20. Krevatas House; - 21. Marmara (entrance); - 22. Aï-Yannakis; - 23. Laskaris' House; - 24. Church of Saint Christopher; - 25. Ruins; - 26. Church of Saint Kyriaki. ## Gallery - Hill of Mystras - Metropolis of Mystras (St Demetrius) - The Byzantine eagle, Metropolis - Monastery of Peribleptos - Entrance of the fortress (view from the inside) - Panorama from the top of Villehardouin's Castle - Evangelistria's church - Hodigitria church - Fresco at Hodigitria's church - A street at the town of Mystras - Despot's Palace (2017) - Pantanassa's monastery - View from Villehardouin's Castle - Upper City - Middle City - A Gate - Agioi Theodoroi - St. George - Agia Sofia ## See also - [List of settlements in Laconia](/source/List_of_settlements_in_Laconia) - [Despotate of Mystras](/source/Despotate_of_Mystras) - [Stefanos Sinos](/source/Stefanos_Sinos) ## References 1. **[^](#cite_ref-census21_1-0)** ["Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό"](https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/17286366/MON_PLI_DHM_OIKISN_2021.xlsx) [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGregoryŠevčenko19911382_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGregoryŠevčenko19911382_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGregoryŠevčenko19911382_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGregoryŠevčenko19911382_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEGregoryŠevčenko19911382_2-4) [Gregory & Ševčenko 1991](#CITEREFGregoryŠevčenko1991), p. 1382. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Ousterhout-2021_3-5) Ousterhout, Robert (2021). "Late Byzantine Secular Architecture". In Freeman, Evan (ed.). [*A Smarthistory Guide to Byzantine Art*](https://pressbooks.pub/smarthistoryguidetobyzantineart/chapter/late-byzantine-secular-architecture-and-urban-planning/). Smarthistory. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-Kallikratis_4-0)** ["ΦΕΚ B 1292/2010, Kallikratis reform municipalities"](http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL81-32jgAMSfbnMRVjyfnPUeJInJ48_97uHrMts-zFzeyCiBSQOpYnT00MHhcXFRTsb2fGphpq4MKX2ZkaHobySNnvZCNHXvYVvlf80XevW0Q.) (in Greek). [Government Gazette](/source/Government_Gazette_(Greece)). 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-unesco_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-unesco_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-unesco_5-2) ["Archeological Site of Mystras"](https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/511). *UNESCO World Heritage Convention*. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization. Retrieved 19 November 2021. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Greeka_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Greeka_6-1) ["History of Mystras | Greeka"](https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/mystras/history/). *Greekacom*. Retrieved 2021-09-03. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBon196972–73_7-0)** [Bon 1969](#CITEREFBon1969), pp. 72–73. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBon196973,_104_8-0)** [Bon 1969](#CITEREFBon1969), pp. 73, 104. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBon1969122–125_9-0)** [Bon 1969](#CITEREFBon1969), pp. 122–125. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBon1969129ff._10-0)** [Bon 1969](#CITEREFBon1969), pp. 129ff.. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTERunciman2009_11-0)** [Runciman 2009](#CITEREFRunciman2009). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Mezistre"](https://ansiklopedika.net/mezistre-mizistre.html). *[Ansiklopedika](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ansiklopedika&action=edit&redlink=1)*. 24 June 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Runciman, Steven (2010). *Lost Capital of Byzantium : the History of Mystra and the Peloponnese*. John Freely. London: I.B. Tauris & Co. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-85771-810-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-85771-810-5). [OCLC](/source/OCLC_(identifier)) [710975289](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/710975289). 1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["History of Mystras"](https://www.despotato.gr/index.php/en/mystras/history/). *www.despotato.gr*. Retrieved 2021-09-03. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Restoring the Byzantine Castle of Mystras in the Peloponnese"](https://www.greece-is.com/restoring-the-byzantine-castle-of-mystras-in-the-peloponnese/). *Greece Is*. 2021-04-05. Retrieved 2025-05-05. ## Sources - Bon, Antoine (1969). [*La Morée franque. Recherches historiques, topographiques et archéologiques sur la principauté d'Achaïe*](http://cefael.efa.gr/detail.php?site_id=1&actionID=page&serie_id=BefarA&volume_number=213&issue_number=1) (in French). Paris: De Boccard. - Gregory, Timothy E.; Ševčenko, Nancy Patterson (1991). "Mistra". In [Kazhdan, Alexander](/source/Alexander_Kazhdan) (ed.). *[The Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium](/source/The_Oxford_Dictionary_of_Byzantium)*. Oxford University Press. pp. 1382–1385. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-19-504652-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-19-504652-6). - [Runciman, Steven](/source/Steven_Runciman) (2009) [1980]. [*Lost Capital of Byzantium: The History of Mistra and the Peloponnese*](https://books.google.com/books?id=UBsBAwAAQBAJ). Tauris Parke Paperbacks. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-84511-895-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-84511-895-2). - [Sinos, Stefanos](/source/Stefanos_Sinos) (2021). *The Late Byzantine Palace of Mystras and its Restoration*. Athens: Kapon Editions.[1] ## External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Mystras](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mystras). - ["Illustrated account of Mistra"](http://www.civilization.org.uk/greece/greece-extra/mistra). Places adjacent to Mystras Pellana Oinountas Kalamata Mystras Sparta Avia Sparta v t e World Heritage Sites in Greece North Aigai Mount Athos Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki City Walls Rotunda Church of the Acheiropoietos Church of Saint Demetrios Latomou Monastery Church of Hagia Sophia Church of Panagia Chalkeon Church of Saint Panteleimon Church of the Holy Apostles Church of St. Nicholas Orphanos Church of Saint Catherine Church of the Saviour Vlatades Monastery Church of Prophet Elijah Byzantine Bath Philippi Zagori Central Delphi Temple of Athena Pronaia Tholos Athenian Treasury Gymnasium Stoa of the Athenians Temple of Apollo Hosios Loukas Meteora Old Town of Corfu Attica Acropolis of Athens Daphni Monastery South Epidaurus Mycenae and Tiryns Lion Gate Tomb of Aegisthus Treasury of Atreus Tomb of Clytemnestra Grave Circle A Grave Circle B Mystras Olympia Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae Aegean Islands Delos Medieval City of Rhodes Grand Master's Palace 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Walls Great Palace of Constantinople Hagia Irene Hagia Sophia Hippodrome Hippodrome factions Pammakaristos Church Prison of Anemas Thessalonica Arch of Galerius and Rotunda Byzantine Bath Hagia Sophia Hagios Demetrios Panagia Chalkeon Walls of Thessaloniki Ravenna San Vitale Sant'Apollinare in Classe Sant'Apollinare Nuovo Other locations Daphni Monastery Hosios Loukas Nea Moni of Chios Panagia Gorgoepikoos Saint Catherine's Monastery Mystras Art Icons Enamel Glass Mosaics Early Byzantine mosaics Painters Macedonian period art Komnenian renaissance Economy Agriculture Coinage Mints Trade silk Silk Road Varangians Dynatoi Literature Novel Acritic songs Digenes Akritas Alexander Romance Historians Everyday life Calendar Cities Cuisine Dance Dress Flags and insignia Gardens Hellenization Music Lyra Octoechos Population Byzantine Greeks Women Slavery Death Units of measurement Science Learning Encyclopedias Imperial Library Inventions Medicine Philosophy Rhetoric Scholars University University of Constantinople Impact Byzantine commonwealth Byzantine studies Museums Byzantinism Cyrillic script Neo-Byzantine architecture Greek scholars in the Renaissance Third Rome Megali Idea Index Outline Portal v t e Byzantine Greece Provinces and regions Achaea Province Theme of the Aegean Crete Theme of Hellas Theme of Samos Macedonia Province Theme of Macedonia Theme of Strymon Theme of Thessalonica Theme of the Peloponnese Theme of Cephallenia Theme of Nicopolis Sclaviniae Melingoi and Ezeritai Tsakonia Great Vlachia People Justinian I Heraclius Justinian II Irene of Athens Danielis Nikephoros I Basil I Nikephoros II Phokas Basil II Nikephoros Melissenos Michael Choniates Leo Sgouros Leo Gabalas Michael I Komnenos Doukas Theodore Komnenos Doukas Demetrios Chomatenos John Apokaukos Michael II Komnenos Doukas Michael VIII Palaiologos John I Doukas of Thessaly Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas Thomas I Komnenos Doukas Gregory Palamas Demetrios Kydones Catalan Company Nicholas Orsini Andronikos Asen John II Orsini Andronikos III Palaiologos Michael Monomachos John Angelos Stephen Gabrielopoulos Nikephoros II Orsini Manuel Kantakouzenos Simeon Uroš Thomas Preljubović Esau de' Buondelmonti Alexios Angelos Philanthropenos Theodore II Palaiologos Gemistos Plethon Constantine XI Palaiologos Demetrios Palaiologos Thomas Palaiologos Byzantine bureaucracy and aristocracy Byzantine scholars in Renaissance Historians: Niketas Choniates George Akropolites Nicephorus Gregoras John Scylitzes Eustathius of Thessalonica Michael Glykas Anna Komnene Joannes Zonaras George Kodinos George Sphrantzes Major centres Thessaloniki Athens Corinth Mystras Patras Thebes Arta Ioannina Greek states after 1204 Despotate of Epirus Empire of Nicaea Empire of Thessalonica Despotate of the Morea Thessaly History Persecution of paganism Barbarian invasions Under the Heraclian dynasty Byzantine Iconoclasm Siege of Thessalonica (676–678) Siege of Patras (805 or 807) Arab–Byzantine wars Muslim conquest of Crete Byzantine reconquest of Crete Macedonian Renaissance Byzantine conquest of Bulgaria East-West Schism Byzantine–Norman wars Sack of Thessalonica (1185) Fourth Crusade Battle of the Olive Grove of Kountouras Battle of Klokotnitsa Battle of Pelagonia Under the Palaiologos dynasty Reconquest of Constantinople Battle of Prinitza Battle of Makryplagi Battle of Neopatras Battle of Pharsalus (1277) Battle of Demetrias Byzantine civil war of 1321–1328 Hesychast controversy (Palamism) Byzantine–Genoese War (1348–1349) Zealots of Thessalonica Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347 Byzantine–Ottoman Wars Siege of Thessalonica (1422–1430) Battle of the Echinades (1427) Morea revolt of 1453–1454 Ottoman conquest of the Morea Culture Byzantine art (Macedonian art) Byzantine music Byzantine literature Alexander romance Miracles of Saint Demetrius Suda Greek Anthology Acritic songs Byzantine architecture Byzantine dress Byzantine cuisine Eastern Orthodox Christianity Byzantine law Hexabiblos Monuments Acrocorinth Angelokastro (Corfu) Athens Church of the Holy Apostles Daphni Monastery Little Metropolis Soteira Lykodemou Castle of Chios Church of the Parigoritissa Didymoteicho Fortress Feraklos Castle Gardiki Castle Hexamilion wall Hosios Loukas Kassiopi Castle Meteora Mount Athos Monastery of Saint John the Theologian Monemvasia Mystras Nea Moni of Chios Old Metropolis of Veria Panagia Episkopi Panagia Kontariotissa Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki Panagia Ekatontapiliani Patras Castle Porta Panagia Saints Theodoroi, Serres Trikala Castle v t e Subdivisions of the municipality of Sparta Municipal unit of Faris Anogeia Arna Kaminia Goranoi Lefkochoma Palaiopanagia Polovitsa Potamia Spartia Trapezanti Vasiliki Xirokambi Municipal unit of Karyes Karyes Municipal unit of Mystras Agia Eirini Agios Ioannis Anavryti Longastra Magoula Mystras Paroreio Soustianoi Trypi Municipal unit of Oinountas Koniditsa Sellasia Theologos Vamvakou Varvitsa Vasaras Voutianoi Vresthena Municipal unit of Pellana Agios Konstantinos Agoriani Alevrou Georgitsi Kastoreio Longanikos Pellana Perivolia Vordonia Municipal unit of Sparta Afisi Amykles Kalyvia Sochas Kladas Sparta Municipal unit of Therapnes Agioi Anargyroi Agrianoi Chrysafa Goritsa Kalloni Kefalas Platana Skoura Authority control databases International VIAF 2 GND FAST National United States France BnF data Greece Sweden Israel Catalonia Geographic Pleiades Other IdRef Yale LUX 1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Η αρχιτεκτονική του Καθολικού της Μονής της Παντάνασσας του Μυστρά - Εκδόσεις Πατάκη"](https://www.patakis.gr/books/9789601647357-i-architektoniki-tou-katholikou-tis-m/). *www.patakis.gr* (in Greek). Retrieved 2025-04-24. --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mystras](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystras?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.