John V Palaiologos was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 1341 to 1376 and again from 1379 to 1390. He was born in 1332 and was the son of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos. His reign was marked by internal strife and external threats, particularly from the Ottoman Empire, which was expanding its territory during this period. During his rule, John V faced challenges such as civil wars and financial difficulties. He sought assistance from Western Europe, leading to the Council of Ferrara-Florence in 1438, which aimed to unite the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. His reign ultimately set the stage for the decline of the Byzantine Empire.