# Matthew Kantakouzenos

> emperor and autocrat of the Romans

**Wikidata**: [Q329708](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q329708)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Asen_Kantakouzenos)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matthew-kantakouzenos

## Summary

Matthew Kantakouzenos, also known as Matthew Asen Kantakouzenos, was a Byzantine emperor and autocrat of the Romans. He ruled as a monarch within the Byzantine Empire during the Late Antiquity and Middle Ages period. He is recognized by several names including Matthew I and Matthew Cantacuzenus, and held the title Emperor of Constantinople.

## Biography

- **Born:** Date and place not specified in available sources
- **Nationality:** Byzantine Empire
- **Education:** Not specified in available sources
- **Known for:** Serving as emperor and autocrat of the Romans
- **Employer(s):** Not applicable (imperial role)
- **Field(s):** Imperial governance and monarchy

## Contributions

Matthew Kantakouzenos served as emperor and autocrat of the Romans during the period of the Byzantine Empire. His reign connected him to the broader Kantakouzenos dynasty, which held significant power in the Byzantine world. He was closely associated with two other rulers in the Kantakouzenos line: Demetrios I Kantakouzenos, who held the title Despot of Morea, and Manuel Kantakouzenos, also Despot of the Morea. These figures preceded or succeeded him in positions of imperial and regional authority, reflecting the dynasty's sustained influence over Byzantine territories including the Morea and Constantinople.

## FAQs

**Who preceded or succeeded Matthew Kantakouzenos?**
Matthew Kantakouzenos was connected in succession to Demetrios I Kantakouzenos, Despot of Morea, and Manuel Kantakouzenos, Despot of the Morea. Both were members of the Kantakouzenos dynasty and governed key Byzantine territories.

**What was Matthew Kantakouzenos's official title?**
He held the title of emperor and autocrat of the Romans, and was also referred to as Emperor of Constantinople.

**What other names was Matthew Kantakouzenos known by?**
He was known by several aliases including Matthew I, Matthew Cantacuzenus, and Matthew Asen Kantakouzenos.

**What empire did Matthew Kantakouzenos rule over?**
He ruled as a monarch within the Byzantine Empire, which was the continuation of the Roman Empire during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

## Why They Matter

Matthew Kantakouzenos matters as a member of the Kantakouzenos dynasty, one of the significant ruling families of the Byzantine Empire. His position as emperor and autocrat of the Romans placed him at the center of Byzantine imperial power during a period of political complexity and transition. The dynastic connections between Matthew, Demetrios I Kantakouzenos, and Manuel Kantakouzenos illustrate how the Kantakouzenos family maintained influence across both the imperial throne in Constantinople and the regional government of the Morea. Without rulers like Matthew, the continuity of Byzantine imperial governance during its later centuries would have been significantly altered.

## Notable For

- Held the title of emperor and autocrat of the Romans
- Member of the Kantakouzenos imperial dynasty
- Also known as Matthew I, Matthew Cantacuzenus, and Emperor of Constantinople
- Connected through succession to Demetrios I Kantakouzenos and Manuel Kantakouzenos, both Despots of the Morea
- Ruled as a monarch within the Byzantine Empire

## Body

### Imperial Title and Role

Matthew Kantakouzenos held the title of emperor and autocrat of the Romans, positioning him as a monarch at the head of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine Empire, which traced its inception to multiple historical dates including 285, 286, 330, and January 17, 395, was the continuation of the Roman Empire through Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. As emperor, Matthew governed as part of this long imperial tradition.

### Dynastic Connections

The Kantakouzenos family produced multiple rulers across Byzantine territories. Matthew was directly linked to two notable relatives:

- **Demetrios I Kantakouzenos**, titled Despot of Morea, was a Byzantine citizen connected to the same dynasty.
- **Manuel Kantakouzenos**, also Despot of the Morea, held citizenship in both the Morea and the broader Byzantine Empire.

Both Demetrios and Manuel are recorded as having preceded or succeeded Matthew in positions of authority, demonstrating the family's enduring grip on power across different regions of the Byzantine world.

### Names and Aliases

Matthew Kantakouzenos was recognized under several names and titles:

- Matthew I
- Matthew Cantacuzenus
- Emperor of Constantinople
- Matthew Asen Kantakouzenos

The inclusion of "Asen" in his name suggests a potential connection to the Asen dynasty, further illustrating the complex web of Byzantine and Balkan dynastic politics.

### Historical Context

Matthew ruled within the broader framework of the Byzantine Empire, a state that endured for over a millennium. The empire's inception dates reflect different historical milestones, from the administrative reorganization under Diocletian to the founding of Constantinople and the formal division of the Roman Empire. As a monarch governing this state, Matthew Kantakouzenos operated within one of the most enduring political entities in European history.

## References

1. The Peerage
2. Genealogics
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](http://www.mcnbiografias.com/app-bio/do/show?key=cantacuceno-mateo)
5. CERL Thesaurus
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013