The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon

Chapter LXIII: Civil Wars And The Ruin Of The Greek Empire

Civil Wars, And Ruin Of The Greek Empire.—Reigns Of Andronicus, The Elder And Younger, And John Palæologus.—Regency, Revolt, Reign, And Abdication Of John Cantacuzene.—Establishment Of A Genoese Colony At Pera Or Galata.—Their Wars With The Empire And City Of Constantinople.