# Matthew Kantakouzenos, co-emperor 1353–1357, later despotēs in Morea
Stefan Lazarević (around 1377 - July 19, 1427), prince (1389–1402) and despot (1402–1427)
The Byzantinist Donald Nicol, who researched the family's history, categorically identifies him as the brother of George Palaiologos Kantakouzenos; Giovanni Musachi makes him the brother of Irene Kantakouzene, wife of Serbian Despot Đurađ Branković, but incorrectly states Thomas was the son of the Emperor John VI Kantakouzenos, an error DuCange repeats.
In 1047, a John Vatatzes joined the revolt of Leo Tornikios, but in the 12th century they rose to high offices: Theodore Vatatzes was named despotes by Emperor Manuel I, and his son John Komnenos Vatatzes became megas domestikos (commander-in-chief of the Byzantine army).