Furthermore, Michael VIII was instrumental in instigating revolts in Crete against the Venetians, the most famous of which was led by the Hortatzoi brothers Georgios and Theodore of Mesi in Rethymnon, with a duration of six years, causing most significant harm to the Venetian occupants and economic interests of Venice. Michael VIII had aimed to eventually bring Venice, an ally of Charles of Anjou, to the table of negotiations, as he did, at his court in Constantinople.Agelarakis, P. A. (2012), "Cretans in Byzantine foreign policy and military affairs following the Fourth Crusade", Cretika Chronika, 32, 41–78.
Furthermore Michael VIII was instrumental in instigating revolts in Crete against the Venetians the most famous of which was led by the Hortatzoi brothers Georgios and Theodore of Mesi in Rethymnon with a duration of six years causing most significant harm to the Venetian occupants and economic interests of Venice Michael VIII had aimed to eventually bring Venice an ally of Charles of Anjou to the table of negotiations as he did at his court in ConstantinopleAgelarakis P A (2012) "Cretans in Byzantine foreign policy and military affairs following the Fourth Crusade" Cretika Chronika 32 41–78