Chi ha sposato Irene Palaiologina?

Irene Komnene Palaiologina (Greek: Εἰρήνη Κομνηνή Παλαιολογίνα, romanized: Eirēnē Komnēne Palaiologína; c. 1218–1284), after c. 1261 known by her monastic name as Eulogia (Εὐλογία), was an elder sister of the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. Originally close to the emperor, her opposition to the Union of the Churches in 1273 led to their estrangement, and even to intrigues by Irene against Michael involving foreign rulers. As a result, she was imprisoned for the remainder of his reign. After Michael's death, she encouraged Andronikos II Palaiologos to repudiate the Union.

John Kantakouzenos (Greek: Ἱωάννης Καντακουζηνός) was a governor of the Thracesian Theme between 1244 and 1249, with the titles of doux and pinkernes. In 1249 he commanded an expedition sent by Emperor John III Vatatzes against the Genoese who had invaded and taken control of Rhodes during the absence of its governor John Gabalas.

Towards the end of his life John Kantakouzenos became a monk, adopting the name Joannikios, and died sometime before 1257.

Donald Nicol provides evidence to support the identification of this John with John Kantakouzenos Komnenos Angelos, who was the husband of Irene Komnene Palaiologina, sister of Michael VIII Palaiologos. Known children of this couple include:

• Theodora, who married (1) George Mouzalon, (2) John Raoul Petraliphas;
• Maria, wife of Constantine Tikh;
• Anna, wife of Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas;
• Eugenia, wife of Syrgiannes, and was the mother of Syrgiannes Palaiologos; and
• A possible fifth unnamed daughter, who married Theodore Mouzalon.