INTRODUCTION
The old city of Byzantine Mystra was once a thriving center of Byzantine culture and politics. From the 13th century until the 19th century, when the foundations of modern Sparti sounded the final deadly stone for the citadel, Mystras was one of the most important cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. Despite the fact that time and seismology suffered their losses, the Byzantine Mystras are still impressive, mixing the crumbling ruins with a cascade of wild flowers.
BASIS OF THE MISTERS FRANK
Mystras, as we know, was founded in 1249 by the Frankish crusaders, who tried to strengthen their positions in the Peloponnese. They occupied the area in 1204 after the capture of Constantinople during the IV crusade. Guillaume II de Villehardwin was in charge of building the castle here, but the Byzantines regained control of this area in 1262. During the battle of Pelagonia, in 1259, when the Principle of Achaea fought against the Greek empire of Nicea, Guillaume was seized. Mystra, together with Monemvasias and the Great Mani, formed part of his ransom and were transferred to the Greeks. Although the sporadic outbreaks of fighting continued, the Greeks dominated the Peloponnese for many years.
MISTERA UNDER BIZANTINE
After 1262, the entire area known as Morea was ruled by a Byzantine general based on Mystrach. The struggle against the Franks continued for many years, as a result of which the prisoners of the city of Sparta moved behind the defensive city walls of the Byzantine Mistrans. Population growth was the main reason for the development of the site, from a protected village to a full-scale city and cultural center. Instead of being the only military garrison, monasteries, churches and a library were built, and the Throne of Bishop Lacedaemoni was opened here. In addition, the governorship of the Byzantine Mistras became a permanent and heretical position. Gradually, the site was tied to Constantinople, in connection with blood and religious hierarchy.
DEPOTAT
Throughout all periods of history, the Peloponnese’s strategic importance as a crossroads for the eastern Mediterranean influenced its cultural and political development. This value did not change in the middle of the fourteenth century, when the Franks and Turks constantly tried to seize the area. This, in conjunction with the labyrinth Byzantine political maneuvering, led to the fact that Emperor John VI of Cacatuosos sent his son Manuel to stop the continuous struggle. This task was done perfectly, and he continued to develop the growing settlement. Again, the struggle of political power led to changes in the balance of power in the Byzantine Mistras. Manuel’s nephew, Demitrius, attempted to declare independence from the new emperor in Constantinople, John V Palaiologist, and was mercilessly defeated. The emperor's son, Theodore, took the reins of command in the area, and Mystras became increasingly attached to the Byzantine sphere of influence.
Under the Palaiologoi, the influence of the Byzantine Mystrah is great, encompassing the entire Peloponnese. Continuing ongoing internal disputes and external pressure, the city flourished for almost 80 years, until 1460. During this period, the strengthening of the Turkish presence in the Middle East posed a serious threat not only to Mystra, but also to the entire Byzantine Empire. In 1423, the Turks raided the Peloponnese and provoked anger, until Theodore II stabilized the area with the help of his brother Constantine. After another Turkish invasion, in 1446, and the uprising of ethnic Albanians in the Peloponnese, tensions broke to the surface. Some elements of the ruling class agreed to an alliance with the Turks, others were in favor of seeking help from the Latin powers. A large army of Turks under Muhammad II invaded the Byzantine Mistras, and a new period of Turkish rule began.
TURKISH PERIOD
For a long period of time, until the Greek War of Independence, in 1825, the city of Mystra remained under Turkish rule. Without the authority of the Byzantine church, he no longer had the same influence, but he was still an important provincial capital. In 1464 and 1687, some Venetians attempted to seize the citadel. The attack of 1687 was successful, and the city reached its peak population of about 42,000 people. In 1714, the Turks recaptured Mystra and used it as a basis against the restless Manichaean. This was the beginning of the end for the city, and by the end of the War of Independence it was the shadow of its former glory. The construction of the modern city of Sparti, in 1831, dealt the final blow to Byzantine miter.
