Constantine Asen

Constantine Asen belonged to the second generation of the Byzantine Asens — an uncle of Emperor John V and of Manuel II Palaiologos — although his exact place in the pedigree remains undetermined (his father is unknown). Born around 1338–1340, he was a brother of John Asen.

The sources portray him as a remarkably many-sided figure: a confidant of the emperor, a participant in important foreign missions (1358, and 1369–1371, when he accompanied John V on his ill-fated journey to Italy) and in church affairs (1383, 1409), and moreover one of the prominent opponents of Palamism.

Especially remarkable is his intellectual profile — a celebrated rhetorician, author of theological treatises and epic poems, composer of hymns and dramatic works, owner of a rich library and at the same time a passionate hunter. His long life and his gifts allowed him to leave 69 works. The last notice of him is from 1415, when he was still alive.