Palaiologos, on the plain of Pelagonia. Nevertheless, the allied operation was compromised by mutual suspicion and Michael's illegitimate son John Doukas deserted to the enemy, while Michael himself abandoned his allies. The Nicaeans inflicted a crushing defeat on Prince William of Achaea, who was captured in the battle. While Michael fled to the Ionian Islands, the Nicaeans occupied Epirus but they were faced with so much resistance that they were forced to withdraw. Michael recovered his domains with further help from Manfred. After further warfare another Byzantine victory in 1264 forced him to accept the nominal suzerainty of Michael VIII Palaiologos and to strengthen the bond by dynastic marriages. When Michael II died in or shortly before 1268, his domains were split between his sons Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas of Epirus and John I Doukas of Thessaly. Family By his marriage to Theodora Petraliphaina (St. Theodora of Arta), Michael II had several children, including: Nikephoros I Komnenos Doukas, who succeeded as ruler of Epirus John Doukas, hostage to Constantinople Demetrios (renamed Michael) Doukas Komnenos, surnamed Koutroules Helena Angelina Doukaina, who married King Manfred of Sicily Anna Komnene Doukaina, who married Prince William II Villehardouin of Achaea and after his death Nicholas II of St Omer, lord of Thebes. By a mistress, possibly the unnamed lady of the Gangrenos family recorded in Theodora's hagiography, Michael II had at least two other sons: John I Doukas, who succeeded as ruler of Thessaly and appears to have been the eldest of his children Theodore Doukas References Sources 1200s births 1268 deaths 13th-century despots of Epirus Byzantine people of the Crusades Eastern Orthodox monarchs 13th-century Byzantine people Medieval rulers of Thessaly Komnenodoukas dynasty Illegitimate children of despots of Epirus Year of birth unknown 13th-century rulers in Europe