Michael Palaiologos (d. 1156) was a general of the Byzantine Empire who served under Manuel I Komnenos. He is probably best remembered for his campaign in 1150 CE to resurrect the theme of Langobardia. Palaiologos's effort were quite successful in short order. However, he abruptly died while on campaign.
His family, the Palaiologoi, eventually ruled the Empire, taking power in 1259, and ruling until the empire was toppled in 1453.
Like everyone who lived and died on Earth, Michael Palaiologos was resurrected on Riverworld. He became a citizen of New Constantinople, the city-state founded by Alexios Komnenos, and served as ambassador to the neighboring state of Bornu. It was because Palaiologos was in Bornu that Alexios Komnenos decided not to kill Idris Alooma; while both men would be resurrected, Palaiologos might have been subject to torture first, and his resurrection could take place anywhere along the River, depriving Alexios of his services.[1] After the alliance of New Constantinople and Shytown defeated Bornu, Michael Palaiologos became the minister to Shytown. He was present when Alexios was sworn-in as Vice Mayor.[2]
Literary comment[]
While a large number of Byzantine royals shared the name Michael Palaiologos, the clues in the text suggest that this general is the character depicted.