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John IV, Marquess of Montferrat

1413 – 1464

Italian Marquess

Condottiero
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About John IV, Marquess of Montferrat

Lived 1413 – 1464 (aged 50). John IV, Marquess of Montferrat was a Byzantine condottiero.

John IV Palaeologus (Italian: Giovanni IV Paleologo) (June 24, 1413 – January 19, 1464) was the Margrave of Montferrat from 1445 until his death.

The eldest of four brothers and two sisters, he was born near Casale in the castle of Pontestura, to John Jacob of Montferrat and Joanna of Savoy, daughter of Amadeus VII (the Red Count of Savoy). During his father's unlucky war against Amadeus VIII of Savoy, he was imprisoned by the latter and used as hostage.

He fought as condottiere for the Republic of Venice in the war that ensued after the heirless death of Filippo Maria Visconti of Milan (see Wars in Lombardy). During his reign the Palaeologus family lost the throne of Constantinople, captured by the Ottoman Turks in 1453.

He set his mind rather belatedly to ensure the future of the dynasty, marrying Margherita of Savoy, daughter of Louis of Savoy and Anne of Cyprus, in Casale in December 1458. She brought a dowry of 100,000 scudi, receiving Trino, Morano, Borgo San Martino and Mombaruzzo in return. However they only had one daughter: Elena Margherita (1459 – 1496), who married Victor, Duke of Münsterberg. He also had two illegitimate children : Sara (1462–1503) and Scipione (1463–1485).

John IV died, without legitimate heirs, in Casale on 19 January 1464; he was buried there alongside his father in the church of San Francesco. He was succeeded by his brother William VIII.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Condottiero
Nationality
Positions held
Marquis of Montferrat
Also known as
John Palaiologos, John IV Palaeologus

Family & relationships

Spouse
Margaret of Savoy, Countess of Saint-Pol
Parent
John Jacob, Marquis of Montferrat

People in John IV, Marquess of Montferrat's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John IV, Marquess of Montferrat's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John IV, Marquess of Montferrat?

Italian Marquess

When was John IV, Marquess of Montferrat born?

John IV, Marquess of Montferrat was born on 24 June 1413 in Casale Monferrato.

When did John IV, Marquess of Montferrat die?

John IV, Marquess of Montferrat died on 19 January 1464 in Casale Monferrato.

What was John IV, Marquess of Montferrat's occupation?

John IV, Marquess of Montferrat was a condottiero.

What nationality was John IV, Marquess of Montferrat?

John IV, Marquess of Montferrat was Byzantine.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John IV, Marquess of Montferrat

· Wikidata: Q2253023

· DBpedia: John IV, Marquis of Montferrat

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John IV, Marquess of Montferrat. https://biography.guide/john-iv-marquess-of-montferrat/

MLA: "John IV, Marquess of Montferrat." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-iv-marquess-of-montferrat/.

Chicago: "John IV, Marquess of Montferrat." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-iv-marquess-of-montferrat/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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