Manuel Kantakouzenos was a Byzantine nobleman and a prominent figure during the 14th century. He was born into a distinguished family and became known for his military and political roles in the Byzantine Empire. His lineage connected him to the Palaiologos dynasty, which ruled during a time of significant turmoil and decline for Byzantium. Kantakouzenos is best remembered for his involvement in the civil war against John VI Kantakouzenos, who was also a member of his family. This conflict highlighted the internal struggles within the empire, as various factions vied for power amid external threats from the Ottoman Empire and other adversaries.