1224 Theodore takes Hadrianopolis. His empire now extends from the Adriatic to the Black Sea. He plans attack on Constantinople, but becomes involved in war with John Asan of Bulgaria.
1230 John Asan takes Theodore prisoner and puts out his eyes. Theodore’s brother Manuel assumes imperial title.
1232 John Asan marries Theodore’s daughter and releases him. Theodore returns to Thessalonica and forms party strong enough to drive Manuel out. Theodore’s blindness prevents him from reigning, so his son Joannes takes the title. Manuel escapes to Nicæa and returns with aid from Joannes Vatatzes, but Theodore persuades him and his brother Constantine to aid in defending the empire against Nicæa.
1234 Vatatzes takes Thessalonica. Joannes compelled to give up imperial dignity and assume rank of despot.
The Despotat of Epirus
1244 Demetrius succeeds his brother Joannes.
1246 Joannes Vatatzes, owing to disputes, drives Demetrius from office and unites Thessalonica to the Greek Empire. A natural son of Michael I, Michael is, however, in possession of a portion of the despotat and the blind Theodore of another. Joannes Vatatzes makes Michael II despot under promise of absolute fidelity, but Theodore, 1251-1255 by his intrigues, involves Michael in war with Vatatzes.
1255 Michael delivers up Theodore and makes peace with Vatatzes. Michael is expelled from his dominions, but recovers the southern portion and rules there.
1267 Death of Michael. Nicephorus, his son, receives title and marries daughter of Theodore Lascaris II. He extends his territory in Acarnania and Ætolia.
1290 Nicephorus attacked by Andronicus II and the Genoese, but he repels them with help of the prince of Achaia and the count of Cephalonia.