George Mouzalon

George Mouzalon (Greek: Γεώργιος Μουζάλων, Geōrgios Mouzalōn; ca. 1220 – 25 August 1258) was a high official of the Empire of Nicaea under Theodore II Laskaris (r. 1254–1258). Of humble origin, he became Theodore's companion in childhood and was raised to high state office upon the latter's assumption of power. This caused great resentment from the aristocracy, which had monopolized high offices and resented Theodore's policies. In 1258, he was appointed, together with Patriarch Arsenios Autoreianos, regent of Theodore's son John IV Laskaris (r. 1258–1261). He was assassinated only a few days after Theodore's death by soldiers, as the result of a conspiracy led by the nobles under the future emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos (r. 1259–1282).