Temnik Nogai in the narratives of George Pachymeres: on the issue of the relations between the Mongol beylikbey and the Byzantine emperor

The article addresses the issue of the relations between the Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos (1261-1282) and the Mongol temnik Nogai. Analyzed is a passage from the work of the Byzantine historian George Pachymeres, which mentions Nogai, and explores the origins of Michael Palaiologos’ marital policy aimed at strengthening the alliance with the Mongols. Also compared are Michael’s relations with Nogai to the system of dependence of Russian princes on Nogai and Mongols in general. The conclusion is made that Michael Palaiologos may have followed a similar system of «nuker» relations with Nogai as some Russian princes, while simultaneously exerting influence on Nogai’s opponents in the capital of the Golden Horde, using ecclesiastical contacts with the Metropolitan of Sarai.