1339 Revolt in the despotat of Epirus put down.
1341 Death of Andronicus. His young son Joannes (V) Palæologus succeeds with Empress Anne of Savoy as regent. Rebellion of the prime minister Joannes (VI) Cantacuzenus, who is proclaimed emperor and guardian of Joannes. He often calls himself Joannes V. Apocauchus and Joannes Apri intrigue against Cantacuzenus. A long civil struggle commences.
1342 Stephen Dushan of Servia allies himself with rebels and invades empire.
1343 Cantacuzenus makes alliance with Turks. The war continues with violence.
1344 Cantacuzenus takes Gratianopolis and makes treaties with Servia and Bulgaria.
1345 Murder of Apocauchus. Vicinity of Constantinople devastated.
1346 Defection of Orkhan from Anne’s cause leads to triumph of Cantacuzenus. Earthquake at Constantinople destroys portion of St. Sophia.
1347 Treaty of Cantacuzenus with Anne recognises right of former to rule for ten years. The Black Death rages.
1350 Cantacuzenus uses money sent by Russians to rebuild St. Sophia to pay Ottoman mercenaries.
1351 Joannes V takes up arms against Cantacuzenus.