Summary
The later tradition of the Patria of Mt. Athos (Sixteenth century) accuses Michael VIII Palaiologos of cruelty and violence and of causing the death of many monks, as well as the destruction of several Athonite monasteries to impose the Church union. Despite this, contemporary sources from the second half of the Thirteenth century paint a quite different picture from that of the Patria. In this study we re-evaluate the relevant sources and investigate how the anti-unionists managed to damage Michael's reputation so much, particularly after the union synod of Ferrara-Florence in 1438 1439.
