Portrait of the last Byzantine emperor found

Archaeologists in southern Greece have uncovered a fresco depicting Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, at the Holy Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon in Aigialeia, about 100 km west of Athens. This discovery, hidden within a second layer of frescoes dating to the mid-fifteenth century, is considered the last-known monumental depiction of a Byzantine emperor. The fresco was revealed during restoration efforts led by the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaea and announced by Dr. Anastasia Koumousi, its director. The fresco portrays Constantine XI in imperial regalia, including a gem-encrusted crown, a sceptre topped with a cross, and a loros draped over a light-coloured sakkos. His embroidered purple cloak features medallions of double-headed eagles, a symbol of the Palaiologos dynasty. The figure’s mature and realistic features distinguish the fresco from the…