Andronikos II Palaiologos vs Empress Dowager Xiao

Andronikos II was crowned co-emperor alongside his father Michael VIII, and became sole ruler after Michael's death later that year. His reign began the long Palaiologan dynasty, but the empire was already weakened by financial and military decline.

Andronikos II repudiated the Union of the Churches agreed to by his father at the Second Council of Lyon. He restored Orthodox independence from the Papacy, which pleased the clergy and populace but further isolated Byzantium from the West.

Andronikos II disbanded the Byzantine navy to cut costs, relying instead on Genoese and Venetian mercenaries. This decision left the empire vulnerable to naval attacks and piracy, and contributed to the loss of control over the Aegean islands and trade routes.

During Andronikos II's reign, the Ottoman Turks captured numerous Byzantine cities in Anatolia, including Bursa in 1326. The empire's inability to defend its Asian provinces led to the permanent loss of most of Anatolia, reducing Byzantium to a small state around Constantinople.

Andronikos II faced a civil war against his grandson Andronikos III, who sought to seize the throne. The conflict lasted until 1328, when Andronikos II was forced to abdicate. The civil war drained the empire's resources and allowed the Ottoman Turks to expand in Anatolia.

Empress Dowager Xiao became regent for her young son, Yelu Longxu, after the death of her husband, Yelu Xian. She effectively ruled the Liao dynasty for over 20 years, directing military campaigns and administrative reforms.

Empress Dowager Xiao implemented administrative reforms that strengthened the Liao bureaucracy, including the promotion of Chinese-style governance and the integration of Khitan and Chinese officials. These reforms improved state efficiency and stability.

Empress Dowager Xiao personally led Liao forces in a major invasion of Song territory, reaching the outskirts of the Song capital. The campaign ended with the Treaty of Shanyuan, which she negotiated, securing Liao's dominance in the north.