Theodore Metochites

Theodore Metochites was a Byzantine prime minister, diplomat during the reign of Emperor Andronicus II Palaeologus (r. 1282–1328), and one of the principal literary and philosophical scholars of the 14th century.

Theodore’s father, George, was a prominent Eastern Orthodox cleric and a leading advocate of union with the Latin church. Theodore followed his father’s steps in becoming a revered scholar. He also became a favorite of Emperor Andronicus II for whom he undertook various diplomatic missions to enlist help against the encroaching Ottoman Turks.

Theodore was promoted to megas logothetes (“grand logothete,” or “chancellor”), and was married to Irene Palaeologus and, as a relative of the ruling dynasty, directed Byzantine political affairs from 1321 to 1328. During his career Theodore amassed considerable fortune which was best displayed in his restoration the Chora Monastery (now Kariye Museum), in Constantinople. His donor portrait can still be seen in a famous mosaic in the narthex, above the entrance to the nave.

Theodore was deprived of his wealth by the new emperor, Andronikos III Palaiologos (1328-1341), and in 1331 he retired to the Chora Monastery to continue his scholarly pursuits.