The Great Journey of Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus to the West (1399–1403) and the Question of Union between the Catholic and the Orthodox Church

The article is devoted to a memorable event in the late history of Byzantium – the Great Journey of Emperor Manuel II Palaeologus to the West, which took place between 1399 and 1403. It is examined in the context of the Ottoman conquest and the siege of Constantinople which lasted for 8 years (1394–1402) and put its existence at stake. In order to save his decaying state, Emperor Manuel II Palaelogus made a desperate move – he set out for the West and endeavoured to convince the rulers in Italy, France, England and other West European countries to help Constantinople with troops and money. Manuel II and his retinue were received with honour and respect everywhere they went during their tour. The reason for that was the fact that Byzantium was associated with the antique culture and knowledge which the Eastern Empire transferred to the West in the Renaissance. Manuel himself contributed to that positive image since he was not only a capable politician but also one of the most prominent intellectuals in the Empire. The question of Union between the Orthodox and the Catholic Church had a peripheral place in the negotiations as the situation was not appropriate for a church alliance. The West itself had a lot of problems and the Papacy was in crisis as a result of the Avignon Captivity and the Great Schism. Although the journey started with great expectations and hope, it ended with disappointment. Constantinople was saved only due to its strong walls and the utter defeat that the Ottomans suffered from the Mongols, led by Timur, at the Battle of Angora (Ankara) in 1402, followed by a decade of unrest