Serbia and Hungary in Theodore Spandounes’s Work On the Origin of the Ottoman Emperors

Theodore Spandounes was born in the middle of 15th century to a family Greek exiles who had found shelter Italy after fall Constantinople. The not played any significant role history Byzantine Empire but his mother Eudotia came from famous Kantakouzenos family. Members an important political Serbia until its annexation by Ottoman 1459. established close relations with popes Clement VII and Paul III, he advised on affairs. Probably around 1515, wrote first version treatise On Origin Emperors. In 1538 dedicated final Henry, Dauphin France (the future king Henry II).As suggested title, main objective Spandounes’s explain how Ottomans rose humble beginnings their current mighty status relatively short time. 1538, consists four parts, different size, composition content. most original creative part, which is also greatest importance scholars interested history, second part. However, information concerning Hungary can only be A detailed analysis Theodor’s leads following conclusions: 1) remarks are generally infrequent, events described were rather accidentally chosen; 2) author pays more attention Serbia, emotionally connected through ancestors. about genealogy ruling interesting reliable; 3) barely credible descriptions 14th century. His accounts tendentious quite often false; 4) Information becomes frequent for years 1520–1538, it credible.