History · Despotate
Rulers of Epirus
From Michael I to the last despot Leonardo III Tocco: the rulers connected with Arta.
- First despot
- Michael I (1205–1215)
- Nikephoros I
- Despot 1268–1297
- Orsini
- John I and Nicholas, 1318–1323
- Last
- Leonardo III Tocco, 1448–1479
The Greek Wikipedia lists the rulers connected with Arta and the Despotate of Epirus. The dates are as the source gives them and may differ from others.
The despots
Michael I Doukas (1170–1215) was the founder and first despot of the Despotate of Epirus (1205–1215). Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas (1240–1297) was despot of Epirus from 1268 to 1297, and the Parigoritissa was built in his time. John I and Nicholas Orsini (1295–1323) were despots in 1318–1323. Leonardo III Tocco (1448–1479) was the last despot.
Saint Theodora
Saint Theodora of Arta (1210–1280), patron saint of the town, was the wife of Michael II. Her church in Arta holds her tomb.
