Michael VIII Palaiologos was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 1259 to 1282. He is best known for restoring the Byzantine Empire after the Latin occupation, which began in 1204 during the Fourth Crusade. Michael successfully recaptured Constantinople in 1261, marking the end of the Latin Empire and the beginning of the Palaiologos dynasty. During his reign, Michael VIII implemented various reforms to strengthen the empire, including military and administrative changes. He also sought to improve relations with the Roman Catholic Church but faced resistance from the Orthodox clergy. His reign is often seen as a period of recovery for the Byzantine Empire.