Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:Despot (court title)

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{short description|Title for the heir-apparent of the Byzantine emperor}}
[[File:Σφραγίς Δημητρίου Παλαιολόγου.svg|thumb|250px|Seal of [[Demetrios Palaiologos]], [[Despot of the Morea]] in 1449–1460, with the inscription "Demetrios, in Christ the God Faithful, Despot, the Palaiologos, [[Porphyrogennetos|Born-in-the-purple]]"]]
{{Special characters}}
'''Despot''' or '''''despotes''''' ({{lang-grc-gre|δεσπότης|despótēs|lord, master}})<ref>{{LSJ|despo/ths|δεσπότης|ref}}.</ref><ref>{{OEtymD|despot}}</ref>{{refn|group=n|Literally "[[wikt:δεσπότης|master of the house]]", from [[PIE]] *''dṓm-'', "house", and *''pótis''; [[cf.]] Greek ''pósis'' and [[Latin]], [[Sanskrit]] ''pátis'', "lord".<ref>{{LSJ|po/sis1|πόσις|shortref}}.</ref> ''[[Despoina]]'', i.e. "[[potnia]] of the house", is a feminine counterpart to the word. ''Despot'' is thought to be attested – on the [[Pylos|PY]] Tn 316 tablet – in [[Mycenaean Greek]] [[Linear B]] as {{lang|gmy|𐀈𐀡𐀲}}, ''do-po-ta''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://minoan.deaditerranean.com/resources/linear-b-sign-groups/do/do-po-ta/|title=do-po-ta|work=Minoan Linear A & Mycenaean Linear B|last=Raymoure|first=K.A.|publisher=Deaditerranean|access-date=2014-03-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322040316/http://minoan.deaditerranean.com/resources/linear-b-sign-groups/do/do-po-ta/|archive-date=2016-03-22|url-status=dead}} {{cite web|title=PY 316 Tn (44)|website=DĀMOS: Database of Mycenaean at Oslo|url=https://www2.hf.uio.no/damos/Index/item/chosen_item_id/4985|publisher=[[University of Oslo]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Chadwick|first=John|author-link=John Chadwick|title=The Mycenaean World|location=Cambridge, UK|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1976|isbn=0-521-29037-6|url=https://archive.org/details/mycenaeanworld00chad|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/mycenaeanworld00chad/page/95 95]}}</ref>}} was a senior [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] [[Byzantine aristocracy and bureaucracy|court title]] that was bestowed on the sons or sons-in-law of reigning emperors, and initially denoted the [[heir-apparent]] of the [[Byzantine emperor]].

From Byzantium it spread throughout the late medieval [[Balkans]] and was also granted in the states under Byzantine cultural influence, such as the [[Latin Empire]], the [[Second Bulgarian Empire]], the [[Serbian Empire]] and its successor states ([[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] and {{lang-sr|деспот|despót}}), and the [[Empire of Trebizond]]. With the political fragmentation of the period, the term gave rise to several principalities termed "despotates" which were ruled either as independent states or as [[appanage]]s by princes bearing the title of despot; most notably the [[Despotate of Epirus]], the [[Despotate of the Morea]], the [[Despotate of Dobruja]] and the [[Serbian Despotate]].

In modern usage, the word has taken a different meaning: "[[despotism]]" is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. The [[semantic shift]] undergone by the term is mirrored by "[[tyrant]]", an ancient Greek word that originally bore no negative connotation, and the Latin "[[dictator]]", a constitutionally sanctioned office of the [[Roman Republic]]. In colloquial [[Modern Greek]], the word is often used to refer to a [[bishop]]. In English, the feminine form of the title is despotess (from {{lang-grc-gre|δεσπότισσα|despótissa|links=no}}; {{lang-bg|деспотица|despotítsa|links=no}}; {{lang-sr|деспотица|links=no}}/{{lang|sr-Latn|despotica|links=no}}), which denoted the spouse of a despot, but the transliterated traditional female equivalent of {{transliteration|grc|despotes}}, {{transliteration|grc|despoina}} ({{lang-grc-gre|δέσποινα|déspoina|lady of the house|links=no}}), is also commonly used.

==Origin and history==
[[File:Homilies of Gregory the Theologian gr. 510, f 011.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Empress [[Eudokia Ingerina]] with her sons [[Leo VI the Wise|Leo VI]] (left) and [[Alexander (Byzantine emperor)|Alexander]] (right), both called {{transliteration|grc|despotes}} ({{lang|el|ΔECΠOTHC}})]]
The original [[Greek language|Greek]] term [[Wiktionary:δεσπότης|δεσπότης]] ({{transliteration|grc|despotes}}) meant simply 'lord' and was synonymous with [[Wiktionary:κύριος|κύριος]] ({{transliteration|grc|[[kyrios]]}}). As the Greek equivalent to the Latin {{lang|la|[[Dominus (title)|dominus]]}}, {{transliteration|grc|despotes}} was initially used as a form of address indicating respect.{{sfn|Grierson|Bellinger|Hendy|1973|p=178}} As such it was applied to any person of rank, but in a more specific sense to God (e.g. [[Book of Revelation|Revelation]] 6:10), bishops and the patriarchs, and primarily the [[Roman Emperor|Roman]] and [[Byzantine Emperor]]s. Occasionally it was used in formal settings, for example on coins (since [[Leo III the Isaurian]]) or formal documents.{{sfn|Grierson|Bellinger|Hendy|1973|p=178}}{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}} During the 8th and 9th centuries, co-emperors appear on coinage with the address {{transliteration|grc|despotes}}, but this was still a mark of respect rather than an official title.{{sfn|Grierson|Bellinger|Hendy|1973|p=178}}{{refn|group=n|The co-emperors [[Staurakios]], [[Theophylact (son of Michael I)|Theophylact]], [[Constantine (son of Leo V)|Symbatios Constantine]], [[Theophilos (emperor)|Theophilos]] and [[Michael III]] are all titled {{transliteration|grc|despotes}} on coinage, but literary sources also record an [[coronation of the Byzantine emperor|imperial coronation]] for most of them.{{sfn|Grierson|Bellinger|Hendy|1973|pp=352, 363, 371, 387, 407}}}} Senior emperors were also occasionally addressed as {{transliteration|grc|despotes}}. Before the 12th century, the honorific was used interchangeably with the more formal title of ''[[basileus]]''.{{sfn|Grierson|Bellinger|Hendy|1973|p=178}}

Although it was used for high-ranking nobles from the early 12th century, the title of despot began being used as a specific court title by [[Manuel I Komnenos]], who conferred it in 1163 to the future King [[Béla III of Hungary]], the Emperor's son-in-law and, until the birth of [[Alexios II Komnenos|Alexios II]] in 1169, heir-presumptive. According to the contemporary Byzantine historian [[John Kinnamos]], the title of despot was analogous to Béla's Hungarian title of {{transliteration|hu|urum}}, or heir-apparent.{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=53–54}}

From this time and until the end of the Byzantine Empire, the title of despot became the highest Byzantine dignity, which placed its holders "immediately after the emperor" ([[Rodolphe Guilland]]).{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=54}} Nevertheless, the Byzantine emperors from the [[Komnenoi]] to the [[Palaiologoi]], as well as the [[Latin Emperors]] who claimed their succession and imitated their styles, continued to use the term {{transliteration|grc|despotes}} in its more generic sense of 'lord' in their personal seals and in imperial coinage.{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=54}}{{sfn|Shawcross|2012|pp=201–203}}{{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|pp=63–71}} In a similar manner, the holders of the two immediately junior titles of {{transliteration|grc|[[sebastokrator]]}} and {{lang|la|[[Caesar (title)|Caesar]]}} could be addressed as {{transliteration|grc|despota}} ({{lang|grc|δεσπότα}}).{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=54–55}} The despot shared with the {{lang|la|Caesar}} another appelatory epithet, {{transliteration|grc|eutychestatos}} ({{lang|grc|εὐτυχέστατος}}, 'most fortunate') or {{transliteration|grc|paneutychestatos}} ({{lang|grc|πανευτυχέστατος}}, 'most fortunate of all').{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=56}}

[[File:Manuel II Helena sons.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Emperor [[Manuel II Palaiologos]] with his family: empress [[Helena Dragaš]] (right), and three of their sons, the co-emperor [[John VIII Palaiologos|John VIII]] and the despots [[Andronikos Palaiologos (son of Manuel II)|Andronikos]] and [[Theodore II Palaiologos|Theodore]]]]
During the last centuries of Byzantium's existence, the title was awarded to the younger sons of emperors (the eldest sons were usually crowned as co-emperors, with the title of {{transliteration|grc|basileus}}) as well as to the emperor's sons-in-law ({{transliteration|grc|gambroi}}). The title entailed extensive honours and privileges, including the control of large estates – the domains of Michael VIII's brother [[John Palaiologos (brother of Michael VIII)|John Palaiologos]] for instance included the islands of [[Lesbos]] and [[Rhodes]] – to finance their extensive households. Like the junior titles of {{transliteration|grc|sebastokrator}} and {{lang|la|Caesar}} however, the title of despot was strictly a courtly dignity, and was not tied to any military or administrative functions or powers.{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=65–67}} Women could not hold a noble title, but bore the titles of their husbands. Thus the spouse of a despot, the despotess ({{transliteration|grc|despotissa}}), had the right to bear the same insignia as he. Among the women of the court, the despotesses likewise took the first place after the empress.{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=66}}

The use of the title spread also to the other countries of the Balkans. The [[Latin Empire]] used it to honour the [[Doge of Venice]] [[Enrico Dandolo]] and the local ruler of the [[Rhodope Mountains|Rhodope]] region, [[Alexius Slav]]. After ca. 1219 it was regularly borne (it is not clear whether the title was awarded by the Emperor or usurped) by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetian]] [[podestà]]s in Constantinople, as the Venetian support became crucial to the Empire's survival.{{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|pp=174–177}} In 1279/80, it was introduced in [[Second Bulgarian Empire|Bulgaria]] to placate the powerful magnate (and later Tsar) [[George I of Bulgaria|George Terter]] in 1279/80. During the [[Serbian Empire]] it was widely awarded among the various Serbian magnates, with [[Jovan Oliver]] being the first holder, and it was held by lesser principalities as well, including the self-proclaimed Albanian [[Despotate of Arta|despots of Arta]].{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=77–78}} In the 15th century, the Venetian governors of [[Corfu]] were also styled as despots.{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}} As the title of despot was conferred by the emperor and usually implied a degree of submission by the awardee, the Palaiologan emperors tried long to persuade the [[Empire of Trebizond|Emperors of Trebizond]], who also claimed the Byzantine imperial title, to accept the title of despot instead. Only [[John II of Trebizond]] and his son [[Alexios II of Trebizond|Alexios II]], however, accepted the title, and even they continued to use the usual imperial title of {{transliteration|grc|basileus}} in their own domains.{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=69–70}}

With the death of the last Byzantine Emperor [[Constantine XI]] on May 29, 1453, the creation of a despot became irregular. The title was granted by [[Pope Paul II]] to [[Andreas Palaiologos]], heir to the Byzantine throne in 1465,{{Sfn|Harris|2013|p=650}}{{sfn|Zakythinos|1932|p=291}} and by the king of Hungary to the heirs of the [[Serbian Despotate]].

==Despotates==
From the mid-14th century on, various territories were given to imperial princes with the rank of despot to rule as semi-autonomous [[appanage]]s, some of which have become widely known in historiography as "despotates" (sing. {{lang|grc|δεσποτάτον}}, {{transliteration|grc|despotaton}}, in Greek); in the Byzantine world, these were chiefly the [[Despotate of Epirus]] and the [[Despotate of the Morea]].{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=68}} The close association of title and territory began already from the late 13th century and became widespread from the mid-14th century, as a steady succession of despots began to rule over the same territory.{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}}<ref>cf. {{harvnb|Guilland|1959|pp=71–77}}</ref> Nevertheless, the term "despotate" is technically inaccurate: the title of despot, like every other Byzantine dignity, was not hereditary nor intrinsic to a specific territory. Even in the so-called "despotates", a son of a despot might succeed to his father's territory but could not and would not hold the title unless it was conferred anew by the emperor.{{sfn|Kazhdan|1991|p=614}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=68}} In normal Byzantine usage, a clear distinction was drawn between the personal dignity of despot and any other offices or attributes of its holder. Thus for instance [[John II Orsini]] was described as "the ruler of [[Acarnania]], the despot John" rather than "the despot of Acarnania" by the emperor-historian [[John VI Kantakouzenos]] ({{reign|1347|1354}}).{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=68–69}}

==Insignia==
[[File:Seal of Constantine Doukas Komnenos Palaiologos, despotes and porphyrogennetos.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Lead seal of [[Constantine Palaiologos (son of Andronikos II)|Constantine Palaiologos]], showing him in imperial regalia, and mentioning his titles of despot and {{transliteration|grc|[[porphyrogennetos]]}}]]
According to the mid-14th-century ''Book of Offices'' of [[Pseudo-Kodinos]] and the descriptions given by the historian [[George Pachymeres]], the despot's insignia in the Byzantine court were characterised by the colours purple and white, and a rich decoration in pearls.{{sfn|Failler|1982|pp=178–180}} In detail, the insignia were:

* A brimmed hat called {{transliteration|grc|skiadion}} studded with pearls, with a neck-cover with the owner's name embroidered in gold and pendants "similar to those of the emperor". The {{transliteration|grc|skiadion}} was an everyday headgear, but it was forbidden to despots who had not reached [[adolescence]] to wear it indoors.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=141–143, 145}} For ceremonies and festivities, the despot bore the domed {{transliteration|grc|skaranikon}}, decorated with gold metalwork, precious stones and pearls.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=145–146}}
* A red tunic similar to the emperor's, with gold embroideries of the {{transliteration|grc|rizai}} style but without military insignia, red leggings and a red cloak ({{transliteration|grc|tamparion}}) with broad stripes.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=143}} For festive occasions, the long [[kaftan]]-like {{transliteration|grc|[[kabbadion]]}} was worn, of red or purple colour and decorated with pearls.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=146}}
* A pair of purple and white soft boots, decorated with imperial eagles made of pearls on the sides and the instep. The spurs were also bi-coloured, purple and white.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|p=144}} In a few cases where emperors wished to show special favour to a son ([[Constantine Palaiologos (son of Michael VIII)|Constantine Palaiologos]] under [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]] and [[Matthew Kantakouzenos]] under [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]), red boots like the emperor's were substituted, elevating its holder to an ad hoc, quasi-imperial rank "above the despots" ({{lang|grc|ὑπὲρ δεσπότας}}).{{sfn|Failler|1982|p=175}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=58–59, 62}}
* The despot's saddle and horse furniture were similar to that of the emperor, likewise in purple and white, decorated with pearl eagles. The coating of the saddle and the despot's tent were white with small red eagles.{{sfn|Verpeaux|1966|pp=144–145}}

The despot also had the right to sign his letters with an ink of a dark red colour (the emperor's was bright red).{{sfn|Failler|1982|pp=180–185}}

==Lists of known holders==
===Byzantine Empire===
:'''Note''': Names in ''italics'' indicate persons who claimed the title but were never conferred it by a reigning Byzantine emperor
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Béla III of Hungary]]
| 1163–1169
| [[Manuel I Komnenos]]
| Son-in-law and heir-presumptive until 1169, thereafter demoted to ''[[Caesar (title)|Caesar]]''
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=53–54}}
|-
| [[Theodore Vatatzes]]
| unknown
| [[Manuel I Komnenos]]
| Married to Manuel I's sister Eudokia. His holding of the title is attested only in the seal of his son.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=80}}<ref>{{cite web | author = M. Jeffreys | work = [[Prosopography of the Byzantine World]] | year = 2011 | url = http://db.pbw.kcl.ac.uk/id/person/151791 | title = Theodoros Batatzes, husband of Eudokia, daughter of Ioannes II | access-date = 14 October 2013|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
|-
| [[Alexios Palaiologos (despot)|Alexios Palaiologos]]
| 1200–1203
| [[Alexios III Angelos]]
| Son-in-law and heir-apparent of Alexios III, second husband of Irene Angelina. Maternal grandfather of Michael VIII
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=55–56}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=114, 116}}<ref>{{cite web | author = M. Jeffreys | work = [[Prosopography of the Byzantine World]] | year = 2011 | url = http://db.pbw.kcl.ac.uk/id/person/151859 | title = Alexios Komnenos Palaiologos, sebastos | access-date = 14 October 2013|display-authors=etal}}</ref>
|-
| [[Theodore I Laskaris]]
| 1203–1208
| [[Alexios III Angelos]]
| Son-in-law of Alexios III, he was probably granted the title of despot after the death of Alexios Palaiologos. He founded the [[Empire of Nicaea]] and was proclaimed emperor in 1205, although he was not crowned until 1208 and was still formally despot until then.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=55–56}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=82–83}}
|-
| [[Leo Sgouros]]
| 1203/1204–1208
| [[Alexios III Angelos]]
| Ruler of much of southern Greece, he met Alexios III after he was evicted from Constantinople by the [[Fourth Crusade]]. Sgouros married [[Eudokia Angelina]] and was named despot and heir-apparent by the exiled emperor
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=55–56}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|p=81}}
|-
| [[John Chamaretos]]
| 1208 – unknown
| [[Alexios III Angelos]]
| Lord of [[Laconia]], mentioned as despot in a letter from 1222. He was possibly awarded the title by Alexios III after Leo Sgouros' death
| {{sfn|Macrides|2007|p=81}}{{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=76}}
|-
| [[Andronikos Palaiologos (son-in-law of Theodore I)|Andronikos Palaiologos]]
| 1216 – unknown
| [[Theodore I Laskaris]]
| Son-in-law and heir-apparent of Theodore I. Very little is known about him with certainty. He married [[Irene Laskarina]] and was raised to despot, but died soon after.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=57}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=148–150}}
|-
| [[Manuel Komnenos Doukas]]
| 1225/1227–1230
| [[Theodore Komnenos Doukas]]
| Brother of Theodore, he was raised to the rank of despot after Theodore crowned himself emperor. As heir to Theodore and ruler of [[Thessalonica]], Manuel held the title of emperor (''[[basileus]]'') after 1230
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=74}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=96–97}}
|-
| [[Constantine Komnenos Doukas]]
| 1225/1227 – unknown
| [[Theodore Komnenos Doukas]]
| Brother of Theodore, he was raised to the rank of despot after Theodore crowned himself emperor.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=75}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=207, 209–210}}
|-
| [[John Komnenos Doukas]]
| 1242–1244
| [[John III Vatatzes]]
| Ruler of Thessalonica, he abandoned the imperial title and acknowledged the suzerainty of Nicaea in 1242, being rewarded with the title of despot.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=68}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=216, 219–220}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Angelos Doukas]]
| 1244–1246
| [[John III Vatatzes]]
| Inherited rule of Thessalonica from his brother John and was conferred like him with the title of despot. Deposed by John III in 1246.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=68, 75–76}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=222–224, 235ff.}}
|-
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| 1258–1259
| [[John IV Laskaris]]
| Leader of the nobles, he was declared regent after the murder of [[George Mouzalon]] and raised first to ''[[megas doux]]'' and then, within weeks, to despot. He was crowned emperor on 1 January 1259.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=57–58}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=346–348}}
|-
| [[John Palaiologos (brother of Michael VIII)|John Palaiologos]]
| 1259 – c. 1273/1275
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| Brother of Michael VIII, he was elevated to the rank of despot following his victory at the [[Battle of Pelagonia]]. He renounced the insignia and privileges of a despot, but not the title itself, after his defeat at the [[Battle of Neopatras]] in 1273/1275, and died shortly after.
| {{sfn|Failler|1982|p=174}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=365, 367}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Doukas Komnenos Koutroules]]
| unknown
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| Third son of Michael II of Epirus, he married Anna, one of the daughters of Michael VIII, and was named despot.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=76}}
|-
| [[Constantine Palaiologos (son of Michael VIII)|Constantine Palaiologos]]
| unknown
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| Third son of Michael VIII, he is attested as a Despot in seals.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=79}}
|-
| [[John II of Trebizond]]
| 1282–1297
| [[Michael VIII Palaiologos]]
| Emperor of Trebizond, he was persuaded to renounce his own claim to be "Emperor of the Romans" and accept the title of despot and the hand of Michael VIII's daughter Eudokia. John visited Constantinople in 1282, when the title was conferred and the marriage with Eudokia took place. He nevertheless retained the imperial title in an altered form.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=69–70}}{{sfn|Failler|1982|p=173}}
|-
| [[Constantine Palaiologos (son of Andronikos II)|Constantine Palaiologos]]
| 1292–1320s
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Second son of Andronikos II, he was named despot on his marriage to the daughter of [[Theodore Mouzalon]]
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=60}}
|-
| [[John Palaiologos (son of Andronikos II)|John Palaiologos]]
| 1294 – unknown
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Third son of Andronikos II, he was named despot on 22 May 1294
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=60}}
|-
| [[Alexios II of Trebizond]]
| c. 1297–1330
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Son and successor of John II of Trebizond
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=69–70}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Palaiologos (son of Andronikos II)|Demetrios Palaiologos]]
| 1306 – after 1343
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Fifth son of Andronikos II, named despot in 1306
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=61}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=21456. Παλαιολόγος, Δημήτριος Ἄγγελος Δούκας}}
|-
| [[Theodore I, Marquess of Montferrat|Theodore Palaiologos]]
| unknown
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Fourth son of Andronikos II, named despot at an unknown date, from 1305 [[Marquess of Montferrat]]
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=61}}
|-
| Manuel Palaiologos
| unknown – 1320
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Second son of [[Michael IX Palaiologos]], named despot at an unknown date, killed by mistake by his brother [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]]
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=61}}
|-
| [[Michael Palaiologos (son of Andronikos III)|Michael Palaiologos]]
| before 1341 – unknown
| [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]]
| Second son of Andronikos III, named despot at a very young age
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=62}}
|-
| [[Momchil]]
| 1343/44–1345
| [[Anna of Savoy]]
| Bulgarian ruler of the [[Rhodopes]], awarded the title by the Empress-regent during the [[Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347]], in order to detach him from [[John VI Kantakouzenos]], who titled him {{transliteration|grc|[[sebastokrator]]}}. Effectively independent until defeated and killed by Kantakouzenos' army.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=78}}
|-
| [[Manuel Komnenos Raoul Asanes]]
| before 1358 – unknown
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Brother-in-law of John VI Kantakouzenos, named first {{transliteration|grc|sebastokrator}} by him and despot at an unknown date
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=63}}
|-
| [[John Kantakouzenos (despot)|John Kantakouzenos]]
| 1357 – unknown
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Eldest son of Matthew Kantakouzenos, named despot on his father's abdication of his imperial title
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=63}}
|-
| [[Michael Palaiologos (son of John V)|Michael Palaiologos]]
| unknown
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Third son of John V, ruler of [[Mesembria]], murdered in 1376/7
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=64}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=21522. Παλαιολόγος Μιχαήλ}}
|-
| [[Andronikos Palaiologos (son of Manuel II)|Andronikos Palaiologos]]
| 1409 – c. 1424
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Third son of Manuel II, Despot in [[Thessalonica]] from 1409 until 1423 (styled "Despot of Thessaly" by [[Doukas (historian)|Doukas]]), shortly thereafter he entered a monastery
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64, 71}}
|-
| [[John Palaiologos (son of Manuel II)|John Palaiologos]]
| unknown
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Son of Andronikos, Despot of Thessalonica. He is mentioned as holding the title in 1419.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=71–72}}
|-
|}

====Despots of the Morea====
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Manuel Kantakouzenos]]
| 1347–1380
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Second son of John VI, named despot after the [[Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347]], first "[[Despotate of the Morea|Despot of the Morea]]" from 1349 until his death
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=62–63}}
|-
| [[Theodore I Palaiologos]]
| before 1376–1407
| [[John V Palaiologos]]
| Third son of John V, from 1383 until his death "Despot of [[Lacedaemon]]"
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=64}}
|-
| [[Theodore II Palaiologos]]
| 1406/1407–1448
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Second son of Manuel II, Despot in the Morea from 1407, and in [[Selymbria]] from 1443 to his death
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64, 72}}
|-
| [[Constantine XI Palaiologos]]
| unknown – 1449
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Fourth son of Manuel II and last Byzantine emperor. Despot in Selymbria until 1443, thereafter co-despot in the Morea until 1449, when he succeeded to the Byzantine throne
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64–65}}
|-
| [[Demetrios Palaiologos]]
| 1425–1460
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Fifth son of Manuel II, despot in [[Lemnos]] from 1425 to 1449, in Mesembria from 1440, co-despot in the Morea from 1449 until the Ottoman conquest in 1460
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64, 71}}
|-
| [[Thomas Palaiologos]]
| 1428–1460
| [[John VIII Palaiologos]]
| Sixth son of Manuel II, co-despot in the Morea from 1428 until the Ottoman conquest in 1460. According to [[Sphrantzes]], however, he was not titled despot until 1449, when his brother Constantine became emperor.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64–65, 73}}
|-
| ''[[Manuel Kantakouzenos (usurper)|Manuel Kantakouzenos]]''
| 1453
| 
| Grandson of [[Demetrios I Kantakouzenos]], he was acclaimed as leader and despot of the Morea by the local Albanian and Greek inhabitants during the failed [[Morea revolt of 1453–1454]]. He was soon eclipsed by [[Giovanni Asen Zaccaria]].
| {{sfn|Nicol|1993|p=396}}{{sfn|Setton|1978|p=148}}
|- bgcolor="lightgrey";
!colspan=5 |Titular claimants in exile 
|-
| ''[[Andreas Palaiologos]]''
| 1465 – 1502
| [[Pope Pius II]] (?)
| Eldest son of Thomas Palaiologos and heir of the Palaiologan line. According to Sphrantzes, he was awarded the title of Despot of the Morea by the Pope, but R. Guilland suggested that he may have already received the title before 1460. In his seal he bore the title "[[By the grace of God]], Despot of the [[Rhomaioi|Romans]]" ({{lang-la|Dei gratia despotes Romeorum}}).[[Succession to the Byzantine Empire|Claimant to the Byzantine throne]] from 1465 to 1494.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=64–65}}{{Sfn|Harris|2013|p=650}}{{sfn|Zakythinos|1932|pp=291–292}}{{sfn|Nicol|1993|p=396}}{{sfn|Setton|1978|p=148}}
|-
| ''[[Fernando Palaiologos]]''
| 1502 – unknown
| Self-proclaimed
| Possibly an illegitimate son of Andreas Palaiologos, he adopted the title upon the death of Andreas in 1502. His subsequent fate is unknown.
| {{sfn|Harris|2013|pp=651, 653–654}}
|-
| ''[[Constantine Arianiti]]''
| 1502/07 – 1530
| Self-proclaimed
| An Albanian nobleman, he claimed the fictional titles 'Prince of Macedonia' and 'Duke of Achaea' since the 1490s. He adopted the title of Despot of the Morea after the death of Andreas, sometime between 1502 and 1507. He was appointed governor of [[Fano]] by the Pope, and died there in 1530.
| {{sfn|Harris|2013|pp=653–654, 656–659}}
|- bgcolor="lightgrey";
!colspan=5 |Later pretenders
|-
| ''[[Gian Antonio Lazier]]''
| 	1720 – 1738
| Self-proclaimed, recognized by [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles VI]]
| Italian impostor and pretender to the Byzantine throne who was recognized by the [[Holy Roman Emperor]], [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles VI]]. He claimed, among other titles, the title of 'Despot of the Peloponnese'.
| {{sfn|Iorga|1933|p=154}}
|-
| ''[[Radu Cantacuzino]]''
| 	1735 – unknown
| Self-proclaimed, possibly recognized by [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles VI]]
| Romanian prince and pretender to the Byzantine throne who was possibly recognized by the [[Holy Roman Emperor]], [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Charles VI]]. He claimed, among other titles, the title of 'Despot of the Peloponnese'.
| {{sfn|Iorga|1933|p=154}}
|-
|}

====Despots of Epirus====
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Michael II Komnenos Doukas]]
| before 1246–1267/1268
| [[John III Vatatzes]]
| Nephew of Manuel Komnenos Doukas, ruler of [[despotate of Epirus|Epirus]]
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=68, 75}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|p=97}}
|-
| [[Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas]]
| before 1248/1250–1297
| [[John III Vatatzes]]
| Son and heir of Michael II of [[despotate of Epirus|Epirus]], he was awarded the title on his betrothal to Maria, the granddaughter of John III. He ruled Epirus from his father's death in 1267/1268.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=68, 75–76}}{{sfn|Macrides|2007|pp=97, 249–251}}
|-
| [[Thomas I Komnenos Doukas]]
| 1297–1318
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| Only son and heir of Nikephoros I of [[despotate of Epirus|Epirus]]
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=76}}
|-
| [[Nicholas Orsini]]
| 1319/20–1323
| [[Andronikos II Palaiologos]]
| [[Count palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos]], he assassinated and usurped his uncle, Thomas I of Epirus, in 1318. He was named despot in 1319/20 in exchange for recognizing the annexation of [[Ioannina]] by the Byzantine Empire.
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|p=89}}{{sfn|PLP|loc=224. <Ἄγγελος> Νικόλαος}}
|-
| [[Nikephoros II Orsini]]
| 1347–1359
| [[John VI Kantakouzenos]]
| Son-in-law of John VI, named despot after the [[Byzantine civil war of 1341–1347]], ruler of Epirus in 1335–1338 and 1356–1359
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=62, 77}}
|-
|[[Thomas II Preljubović]]
|1382–1384
|[[John V Palaiologos]]
|Son of [[Gregory Preljub]], he was given the rule of [[Ioannina]] and its region by his father-in-law [[Simeon Uroš]] in 1367. The title of despot was not formally conferred by the Byzantine Emperor until 1382 however.
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|p=143}}{{sfn|Soulis|1984|pp=122–123}}
|-
| [[Esau de' Buondelmonti]]
| ca. 1385 – 1411
| [[John V Palaiologos]] (?)
| An Italian, he was possibly involved in the murder of Thomas Preljubović, and succeeded him as ruler of Ioannina when he married his widow [[Maria Angelina Doukaina Palaiologina|Maria]].
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|pp=157ff., 173}}
|-
| [[Carlo I Tocco]]
| 1415–1429
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| [[Count palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos]], he succeeded in obtaining [[Ioannina]] in 1411 shortly after the death of his uncle Esau de' Buondelmonti. To formalize his position, in 1415 he sent his brother [[Leonardo II Tocco|Leonardo]] to Emperor Manuel to obtain confirmation as Despot. In 1416, Carlo re-united the old Despotate of Epirus by capturing [[Arta, Greece|Arta]] as well.
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|pp=173, 183–187}}
|- bgcolor="lightgrey";
!colspan=5 |Titular claimants in exile 
|-
| ''[[Carlo II Tocco]]''
| 1429–1448
| 
| Successor of Carlo I Tocco as Count palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos and ruler of Epirus. He claimed the traditional title of despot, but was never officially conferred it by a Byzantine emperor
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|pp=197ff.}}
|-
| ''[[Leonardo III Tocco]]''
| 1448–1503
| 
| Successor of Carlo II Tocco as Count palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos and titular despot of Epirus. He ruled in the islands until the Ottoman conquest of 1479, and thereafter maintained his claims in exile in Italy.
| {{sfn|Nicol|1984|p=213}}{{sfn|Zečević|2014|p=130}}{{sfn|Miller|1921|p=513}}
|-
| ''[[Carlo III Tocco]]''
| 1503–1518
| 
| Son of Leonardo III Tocco and [[Milica Branković]], granddaughter of [[Thomas Palaiologos]]. Claimed the inheritance of "the despots of Romania and Arta"
| {{sfn|Miller|1921|p=513}}{{sfn|Zečević|2014|p=141}}
|-
|}

===Latin Empire===
{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Enrico Dandolo]]
| 1204–1205
| [[Baldwin I of Constantinople]]
| [[Doge of Venice]] and the driving force behind the [[Fourth Crusade]]'s capture of Constantinople, as well as behind Baldwin's election as Latin Emperor instead of [[Boniface of Montferrat]]. Named Despot as the main vassal of the Latin Empire. Şerban Marin, however, suggests that the reference to Dandolo as Despot in Greek sources was not as the court dignity, but as a Greek translation of the title ''dominus'', indicating his [[Partitio Romaniae|lordship over three-eighths]] of the former Byzantine Empire.
| {{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|pp=174–175}}{{sfn|Setton|1976|pp=18–19}}{{sfn|Marin|2004|pp=122ff.}}
|-
| [[Alexius Slav]]
| 1208/9 – after 1222
| [[Henry of Flanders]]
| Autonomous Bulgarian ruler of the [[Rhodopes]], named Despot when he married an illegitimate daughter of Emperor Henry and became a Latin vassal.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=78–79}}{{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|p=177}}{{sfn|Shawcross|2012|p=195}}
|-
| [[Jacopo Tiepolo]]
| 1219–1221
| [[Yolanda of Flanders]] (?)
| Venetian [[Podestà of Constantinople]], he may have been given the title of "Despot of the Empire of Romania" ({{lang|la|despotes imperii Romaniae}}) by Empress-regent Yolanda to secure Venetian support, or he may have appropriated it himself.
| {{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|pp=175–176}}
|-
| [[Marino Storlato]]
| 1222–1223
| [[Robert of Courtenay]]
| Venetian Podestà of Constantinople
| {{sfn|Van Tricht|2011|p=176}}{{sfn|Shawcross|2012|pp=194–195}}
|-
| [[Albertino Morosini (Podestà of Constantinople)|Albertino Morosini]]
| {{circa|1238}}
| [[Baldwin II of Constantinople]]
| Venetian Podestà of Constantinople
| {{sfn|Shawcross|2012|p=195}}
|-
| [[Philip I, Prince of Taranto]]
| 1294/97–1315, 1330–1332
| [[Charles II of Naples]]
| Husband of [[Thamar Angelina Komnene|Thamar]], the daughter of Nikephoros I of Epirus. On Nikephoros' death, he was given the title "Despot of Romania" on behalf of his wife and as the ruler of all [[Capetian House of Anjou|Angevin]] or subject territories in Albania (the "[[Kingdom of Albania (medieval)|Kingdom of Albania]]") and Greece north of the [[Gulf of Corinth]] (Thamar's dowry in [[Aetolia]], and the rest of the Epirote state in its capacity as an Angevin vassal).
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|p=76}}{{sfn|Topping|1975|pp=106–107}}
|-
| [[Philip, Despot of Romania|Philip]]
| 1315–1330
| [[Philip I, Prince of Taranto]]
| Eldest surviving son of Philip of Taranto, granted the title and claims of the "Despotate of Romania" in 1315 until his death.
| {{sfn|Longnon|1949|p=320}}
|-
| [[Martino Zaccaria]]
| 1325–1345
| [[Philip I, Prince of Taranto]]
| [[Lordship of Chios|Lord of Chios]], [[Samos]] and [[Kos]]. He was awarded the title of "King and Despot of Asia Minor" by Philip in hopes of enlisting him in an effort to reclaim Constantinople.
| {{sfn|Setton|1976|p=120}}{{sfn|Nicol|1993|p=171}}
|-
| [[Robert, Prince of Taranto]]
| 1332–1346
| [[Catherine of Valois (1303–1346)|Catherine of Valois]]
| Eldest surviving son of Philip of Taranto and the titular Latin Empress Catherine. Prince of Taranto and Achaea, after 1346 himself titular Latin Emperor.
| {{sfn|Setton|1976|p=159}}
|-
|}

===Bulgarian Empire===

{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Jacob Svetoslav]]
| before 1261–1275/1277
| possibly [[Tsar]] [[Constantine Tikh of Bulgaria|Constantine Tikh]]
| Powerful magnate and autonomous lord of [[Sofia]], he was probably named despot by a Bulgarian ruler rather than a Nicaean emperor
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=175}}
|-
| [[George I of Bulgaria|George I Terter]]
| 1278/1279–1292
| Tsar [[Ivan Asen III]]
| Powerful magnate, he was given the title of despot along with the hand of the sister of Tsar Ivan Asen III to win him over in the face of the uprising of [[Ivaylo of Bulgaria|Ivaylo]]. George later deposed Ivan Asen and became Tsar himself.
| {{sfn|Guilland|1959|pp=77–78}}
|-
| [[Shishman of Vidin]]
| 1270s/1280s — before 1308/1313
| Tsar George I Terter
| Founder of the [[Shishman dynasty]] and first semi-autonomous despot of [[Vidin]]
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=273}}
|-
| [[Aldimir]]
| 1280s–1305
| probably by Tsar George I Terter
| Younger brother of George I, he was raised to the rank of despot by him, and received (possibly after 1298) the region of [[Kran, Stara Zagora Province|Kran]] as an [[appanage]] ("Despotate of Kran")
|
|-
| [[Michael Shishman of Bulgaria]]
| before 1313–1322/1323
| Tsar [[Theodore Svetoslav of Bulgaria|Theodore Svetoslav]]
| Autonomous lord of [[Vidin]], named despot at or soon after his father [[Shishman of Vidin]]'s death. Became Tsar of Bulgaria in 1322/1333.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=268–269}}
|-
| [[Belaur]]
| 1323 – c. 1331
| Tsar [[Michael Shishman of Bulgaria|Michael Shishman]]
| Half-brother of Michael Shishman, he succeeded him as autonomous lord of [[Vidin]] with the rank of despot. He resisted the rule of [[Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria|Ivan Alexander]] and was forced to flee into exile
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=269, 273}}
|-
| [[Sratsimir]]
| unknown
| unknown
| Sratsimir was a magnate holding the territory of [[Kran, Stara Zagora Province|Kran]] with the title of Despot. He was the eponymous founder of the [[Sratsimir dynasty]].
|
|-
| [[Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria|Ivan Alexander]]
| By 1330 – 1371
| Tsar Michael Shishman
| By 1330, the importance of the city resulted in the Asen family appointing John to govern [[Lovech]], forming the [[despotate of Lovech]].
| <ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mladenov |first=Momchil |title=Before the Throne: Early Years of Tsar Ivan Alexander Asen (1331–1371) |url=https://journals.uni-vt.bg/bb/eng/vol14/iss1/8 |journal=Journals.uni-vt}}</ref>
|-
| [[Mihail Shishman of Vidin]]
| unknown 
| Tsar [[Ivan Alexander of Bulgaria|Ivan Alexander]]
| Younger son of Tsar Michael Shishman, he probably succeeded Belaur as autonomous lord of [[Vidin]] with the rank of despot.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=273}}
|-
| [[Dobrotitsa]]
| after 1347 – 1386
| Tsar Ivan Alexander
| Ruler of the [[Despotate of Dobruja]]
|
|-
|}

===Serbian Empire and successor states===

{| class="wikitable"  width="100%"
|-
! width="18%" | Name
! width="15%" | Tenure
! width="18%" | Conferred by
! width="44%" | Notes
! width="5%"  | Refs
|-
| [[Jovan Oliver]]
| 1334–1356
| [[Andronikos III Palaiologos]]
| Autonomous Serbian magnate, named despot by Andronikos III after the Byzantine-Serbian peace agreement of 1334
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=299}}
|-
| [[Simeon Uroš]]
| 1345/1346–1363
| [[Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia|Stephen Uroš IV Dušan]]
| Half-brother of Stephen Dušan, he was named despot probably after Dušan's coronation as emperor. Governor of [[Epirus]], he proclaimed himself Tsar in 1356 and tried to seize control of Serbia but failed. Ruler of [[Thessaly]] and most of Epirus from 1359 until his death c. 1370
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=310, 347–348, 350–351}}
|-
| [[John Komnenos Asen]]
| 1345/1346–1363
| [[Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia|Stephen Uroš IV Dušan]]
| Brother-in-law of Stephen Dušan, he was named despot probably after Dušan's coronation as emperor. Ruler of the [[Principality of Valona]] until his death
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=310, 347, 357}}
|-
| [[Ivaniš (magnate)|Ivaniš]]
| {{floruit}} 1348
| [[Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia|Stephen Uroš IV Dušan]]
| Close relative of Stephen Dušan. Ruler of a region in [[Toplica District|Toplica]].
| <ref>{{cite book|author=Miloš Blagojević|title=Nemanjići i Lazarevići i srpska srednjovekovna državnost|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=unBpAAAAMAAJ|year=2004|publisher=Zavod za udžbenike i nastavna sredstva|page=288|isbn=9788617121882}}</ref>
|-
| [[Dejan (magnate)|Dejan]]
| After August 1355
| [[Stephen Uroš IV Dušan of Serbia|Stephen Uroš IV Dušan]] or [[Stephen Uroš V of Serbia|Stephen Uroš V]]
| Brother-in-law of Stephen Dušan. Ruler of a region in the [[Kumanovo]] region.
| {{sfn|Soulis|1984|p=190}}
|-
| [[Gjin Bua Shpata]]
| c. 1360/1365 – c. 1399/1400
| [[Simeon Uroš|Simeon Uroš Palaiologos]]
| Albanian clan leader, in the early 1360s he was recognized as Despot and ruler of [[Aetolia]] (the "[[Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto|Despotate of Angelokastron]]") by the titular Serbian Emperor and ruler of Thessaly Simeon Uroš. He was ''de facto'' independent, and in 1374 annexed the Despotate of Arta and launched repeated unsuccessful attacks against Ioannina.
|{{sfn|Nicol|1984|pp=142, 146–169}}{{sfn|Soulis|1984|pp=116, 122, 126–127, 130, 132}}
|-
| [[Peter Losha]]
| c. 1360/1365–1374
| [[Simeon Uroš|Simeon Uroš Palaiologos]]
| Albanian clan leader, in the early 1360s he was recognized as Despot and ruler of [[Acarnania]] (the "[[Despotate of Arta]]") by the titular Serbian Emperor and ruler of Thessaly Simeon Uroš. He was ''de facto'' independent however, and attacked Thomas Preljubović at Ioannina, before coming to terms with him. He died of the plague in 1373/1374.
|{{sfn|Nicol|1984|pp=142, 145–146}}{{sfn|Soulis|1984|pp=116, 122, 125–126}}
|-
| [[Vukašin Mrnjavčević]]
| 1364–1365
| [[Stephen Uroš V of Serbia|Stephen Uroš V]]
| One of the most powerful Serbian magnates under Stephen Dušan, he was named despot in 1364 and then king and co-ruler by the emperor Stephen Uroš V. He became ''de facto'' independent by 1368, and was killed by the Ottomans in the [[Battle of Maritsa]] in 1371.
|{{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=362–364}}
|-
| [[Jovan Uglješa]]
| 1365–1371
| [[Stephen Uroš V of Serbia|Stephen Uroš V]]
| Brother of Vukašin Mrnjavčević, he was named despot in succession to his brother and became ruler of [[Serres]] alongside Dušan's widow [[Helena of Bulgaria|Helena]]. From c. 1368 he was a ''de facto'' independent ruler until his death in the Battle of Maritsa.
|{{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=364–364, 377–381}}
|-
| [[Jovan Dragaš]]
| 1365 – c. 1378
| [[Stephen Uroš V of Serbia|Stephen Uroš V]]
| Cousin of Stephen Uroš V and nephew of Stephen IV Dušan, with his brother [[Constantine Dragaš]] he governed [[Domain of the Dejanović family|eastern domain from Kumanovo to Velbužd]]). From the Battle of Maritsa on he was an Ottoman vassal.
| {{sfn|Soulis|1984|pp=100, 101}}
|- bgcolor="lightgrey";
!colspan=5 |[[Serbian Despotate]]
|-
| [[Stefan Lazarević]]
| 1402–1427
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Ruler of Serbia as an Ottoman vassal. He was awarded the title of despot during a visit to [[Constantinople]] in 1402, and ruled the "Serbian Despotate" as an autonomous lord until his death in 1427.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=428–429, 522–526}}
|-
| [[Đurađ Branković]]
| 1429–1456
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Successor of [[Stefan Lazarević]] as ruler of Serbia from 1427, he received the title of despot in 1429. An Ottoman vassal from 1428.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|pp=526–528}}
|-
| [[Lazar Branković]]
| 1440s–1458
| [[Manuel II Palaiologos]]
| Son and successor of [[Đurađ Branković]], he received the title of despot during his father's reign.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=575}}
|-
| [[Stefan Branković]]
| 1458–1459
| unknown
| Son of [[Đurađ Branković]], ruler of Serbia. Deposed in favour of Stephen Tomašević.
|
|-
| [[Stephen Tomašević of Bosnia|Stephen Tomašević]]
| April–June 1459
| unknown
| Prince of Bosnia, he became the last independent Serbian ruler after his marriage to [[Maria of Serbia, Queen of Bosnia|Helena-Maria]], the daughter of [[Lazar Branković]]. He assumed the title of despot (or perhaps was awarded it by Lazar's widow, the Byzantine princess [[Helena Palaiologina of Morea|Helena Palaiologina]]). His capital [[Smederevo]] was conquered by the Ottomans a few months later.
| {{sfn|Fine|1994|p=575}}
|- bgcolor="lightgrey";
!colspan=5 |Titular despots in exile under [[King of Hungary|Hungarian]] suzerainty
|-
| [[Vuk Grgurević]]
| 1471–1485
| [[Matthias Corvinus]]
| Grandson of [[Đurađ Branković]]
|
|-
| [[Đorđe Branković]]
| 1486–1496
| [[Matthias Corvinus]]
| Son of [[Stefan Branković]]
|
|-
| [[Jovan Branković]]
| 1486–1502
| [[Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary|Vladislaus II]]
| Son of [[Stefan Branković]]
|
|-
| [[Ivaniš Berislavić]]
| 1504–1514
| [[Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary|Vladislaus II]]
| Married [[Jovan Branković]]'s widow, [[Jelena Jakšić]]
|
|-
| [[Stefan Berislavić]]
| 1514–1521
| [[Vladislaus II of Bohemia and Hungary|Vladislaus II]]
| Son of [[Ivaniš Berislavić]]
|
|-
| [[Radič Božić]]
| 1527–1528
| [[John Zápolya]]
|
|
|-
| [[Pavle Bakić]]
| 1537
| [[Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor|Ferdinand I]]
|
|
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Byzantine Empire|Greece|Serbia|Middle Ages}}
* [[Despotovac]]

==Notes and references==
;Notes
{{reflist|group=n}}
;References
{{Reflist|3}}

==Sources==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book | first=I.A. | last = Biljarski | title = Instituciite na srednovekovna Bălgarija. Vtoro bălgarsko carstvo (XII–XIV v.) |trans-title=Institutions of medieval Bulgaria. Second Bulgarian Empire (12th–14th c.) | location = Sofia | year = 1998| language = bg }}
* {{cite journal | last = Ćirković | first = Sima | title = Поствизантијски деспоти  |trans-title=Post-Byzantine Despots | journal = Zbornik radova Vizantoloskog instituta | year = 1999 | volume = 38 | pages =  395–406 | language = sr | location = Belgrade | url = https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=13740 }}
* {{cite journal | last = Failler | first =Albert | title = Les insignes et la signature du despote | trans-title = The Insignia and Signature of the Despot | journal = Revue des études byzantines | volume = 40 | year = 1982 | pages = 171–186 | doi = 10.3406/rebyz.1982.2136 | url = http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rebyz_0766-5598_1982_num_40_1_2136 | access-date = 28 May 2011| language = fr }}
* {{cite book | first=Bozidar |last = Ferjančić | title = Деспоти у Византији и Јужнословенским земљама |trans-title=Despots in Byzantium and the South Slavic Lands | location = Belgrade | publisher = Српска академија наука | year = 1960 | language= sr }}
* {{The Late Medieval Balkans}}
* {{cite book |first1=Philip |last1=Grierson |first2=Alfred Raymond |last2=Bellinger |first3=Michael F. |last3=Hendy |url=https://archive.org/details/docoins-3/DOCoins_3-1_WEB |title=Catalogue of the Byzantine coins in the Dumbarton Oaks Collection and in the Whittemore Collection |publisher=Dumbarton Oaks |year=1973 |isbn=978-0-88402-045-5 |author-link=Philip Grierson}}
* {{cite journal | last = Guilland | first = Rodolphe | author-link=Rodolphe Guilland | title = Recherches sur l'histoire administrative de l'Empire byzantin: Le despote, δεσπότης | trans-title = Studies on the Administrative History of the Byzantine Empire: The Despot, δεσπότης | journal = Revue des études byzantines | volume = 17 | year = 1959 | pages = 52–89 | doi = 10.3406/rebyz.1959.1199 | url = http://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rebyz_0766-5598_1959_num_17_1_1199 | access-date = 28 May 2011 | language = fr }}
* {{Cite journal|last=Harris|first=Jonathan|date=2013|title=Despots, Emperors, and Balkan Identity in Exile|journal=The Sixteenth Century Journal|language=en|volume=44|pages=643–661|issue=3|jstor=24244808}}
* {{Citation|last=Iorga|first=N.|title=Radu Cantacuzino. Ședința dela 10 Iunie 1932|url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/16/Nicolae_Iorga_-_Radu_Cantacuzino.pdf|journal=Memoriile Secțiunii Istorice a Academiei Române|volume=Tom XIII|pages=149–158|year=1933|trans-title=Radu Cantacuzino. Meeting of June 10, 1932|series=Seria III|language=Romanian|author-link=Nicolae Iorga}}
* {{Oxford Dictionary of Byzantium | last=Kazhdan | first = Alexander | authorlink = Alexander Kazhdan | title = Despotes | page = 614 |url=https://archive.org/details/odb_20210521/page/614}}
* {{cite book | first = Jean | last = Longnon | title = L'empire latin de Constantinople et la principauté de Morée | trans-title = The Latin Empire of Constantinople and the Principality of the Morea | location = Paris | publisher = Payot | year = 1949 | language = fr }}
* {{cite book |last=Macrides |first=Ruth |title=George Akropolites: The History – Introduction, Translation and Commentary |location=Oxford |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-921067-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v_0LdWboHXwC }}
* {{cite journal | first = Şerban | last = Marin | title = ''Dominus quartae partis et dimidiae totius imperii Romaniae'': The Fourth Crusade and the Dogal Title in the Venetian Chronicles' Representation | journal = Quaderni della Casa Romena di Venezia | volume = 3 | year = 2004 | pages = 119–150 | url = https://www.academia.edu/4271923 }}
*{{Essays on the Latin Orient}}
* {{The Last Centuries of Byzantium|edition=Second}}
* {{cite book | title=The Despotate of Epiros 1267–1479: A Contribution to the History of Greece in the Middle Ages | first=Donald MacGillivray | last=Nicol | author-link=Donald Nicol | publisher=Cambridge University Press | year=1984 | location = Cambridge | isbn=978-0-521-13089-9 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XIj0FfKto9AC }}
* {{The Papacy and the Levant | volume = 1}}
* {{The Papacy and the Levant | volume = 2}}
* {{cite book | last = Shawcross | first = Theresa | chapter = Conquest Legitimized: The Making of a Byzantine Emperor in Crusader Constantinople (1204–1261) | pages = 181–220 | title = Byzantines, Latins, and Turks in the Eastern Mediterranean World After 1150 | editor1-first = Jonathan | editor1-last = Harris | editor2-first = Catherine | editor2-last = Holmes | editor3-first = Eugenia | editor3-last = Russell | location = Oxford | publisher = Oxford University Press | year  = 2012 | isbn = 978-0-19-964188-8 | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bO_zmrgmn3sC&pg=PA181 }}
* {{cite book | title = The Serbs and Byzantium during the reign of Tsar Stephen Dušan (1331–1355) and his successors | first = George Christos | last = Soulis | publisher = [[Dumbarton Oaks]] | year = 1984 | isbn = 0-88402-137-8  }}
* {{Setton-A History of the Crusades | volume = 3 | chapter = The Morea, 1311–1364 | pages = 104–140 | last = Topping | first = Peter | chapter-url=http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi-bin/History/History-idx?type=article&did=History.CrusThree.i0016&id=History.CrusThree }}
* {{Prosopographisches Lexikon der Palaiologenzeit}}
* {{The Latin Renovatio of Byzantium}}
* {{cite book | editor-first = Jean | editor-last = Verpeaux | title = Pseudo-Kodinos, Traité des Offices | publisher = Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique | year = 1966 | language = fr }}
* {{cite book|last=Zakythinos|first=D. A.|author-link=Dionysios Zakythinos|year=1932|location=Paris|title=Le despotat grec de Morée, Tome 1: Histoire politique|language=fr|trans-title=The Greek Despotate of the Morea, Volume 1: Political History|publisher=Société d'édition "Les Belles Lettres"|oclc=1001644255}}
*{{Cite book|last=Zečević|first=Nada|title=The Tocco of the Greek Realm: Nobility, Power and Migration in Latin Greece (14th – 15th Centuries)|publisher=Makart|year=2014|isbn=978-8687115118|orig-year=1968}}
{{refend}}
{{Byzantine offices after pseudo-Kodinos}}
{{Byzantine Empire topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Despot (Court Title)}}
[[Category:Byzantine imperial titles]]
[[Category:Byzantine court titles]]
[[Category:Serbian noble titles]]
[[Category:Noble titles]]
[[Category:Bulgarian noble titles]]
[[Category:Despots (court title)| ]]
[[Category:Lists of office-holders in the Byzantine Empire]]
[[Category:Serbia-related lists]]
{{Навигационная таблица/Портал/Английская Википедия}}
[[Категория:Английская Википедия]]
[[Категория:Википедия]]
[[Категория:Статья из Википедии]]
[[Категория:Статья из Английской Википедии]]