Andronikos II Palaiologos vs Henry III of England

Andronikos II was crowned co-emperor alongside his father Michael VIII, and became sole ruler after Michael's death later that year. His reign began the long Palaiologan dynasty, but the empire was already weakened by financial and military decline.

Andronikos II repudiated the Union of the Churches agreed to by his father at the Second Council of Lyon. He restored Orthodox independence from the Papacy, which pleased the clergy and populace but further isolated Byzantium from the West.

Andronikos II disbanded the Byzantine navy to cut costs, relying instead on Genoese and Venetian mercenaries. This decision left the empire vulnerable to naval attacks and piracy, and contributed to the loss of control over the Aegean islands and trade routes.

During Andronikos II's reign, the Ottoman Turks captured numerous Byzantine cities in Anatolia, including Bursa in 1326. The empire's inability to defend its Asian provinces led to the permanent loss of most of Anatolia, reducing Byzantium to a small state around Constantinople.

Andronikos II faced a civil war against his grandson Andronikos III, who sought to seize the throne. The conflict lasted until 1328, when Andronikos II was forced to abdicate. The civil war drained the empire's resources and allowed the Ottoman Turks to expand in Anatolia.

Henry III began the rebuilding of Westminster Abbey in the Gothic style, dedicating it to Edward the Confessor. This project became a major architectural achievement and a symbol of royal piety and power.

Under baronial pressure, Henry III agreed to the Provisions of Oxford, which established a council of barons to oversee royal governance. This reform limited royal power and created a precedent for parliamentary oversight.

Henry III faced the Second Barons' War led by Simon de Montfort. He was captured at the Battle of Lewes, but later restored after the royalist victory at the Battle of Evesham, where de Montfort was killed.

Royalist forces under Prince Edward defeated Simon de Montfort's army at the Battle of Evesham. De Montfort was killed, ending the baronial rebellion and restoring Henry III's full authority.

Henry III issued the Dictum of Kenilworth, a compromise that allowed rebel barons to reclaim their lands by paying fines. This helped reconcile the kingdom after the Second Barons' War.