Mistra

   Capital of the despotate of the Morea (q.v.) from 1349-1460, comprising a hill below Mount Tayegetos overlooking the plain of Sparta in the Peloponnesos (q.v.). The fortress atop the hill was built by William II Villehardouin (q.v.), who surrendered it to the Byzantines after the battle of Pelagonia (q.v.) in 1259. Thereafter, a city developed within the fortified slopes of the hill below the castle. By the early 15th century Mistra was a center of learning that attracted famous scholars and teachers like Plethon and Chalkokondyles (qq.v.). It surrendered to Mehmet II (q.v.) only in 1460, seven years after the Ottomans conquered Constantinople (qq.v.). Today, its ruined churches, fortress, and palace provide a glimpse into the fading glory of Byzantium's final century.