MICHAEL APOSTOLES. — Byzantine writer, b. in Constantinople c. 1422, d. c. 1480. He led a very unfortunate life following the fall of Constantinople. He sought to work in Italy under the patronage of Cardinal Bessarion, but did not even secure a teaching post in Candia, the main centre of his activity. He undertook journeys to discover manuscripts for Bessarion, which he himself then copied. He authored several works, though their value is slight if judged by those that have come to light.
The greatest interest in M. lies in his correspondence, which describes the pitiful state into which men of learning fell after the loss of Constantinople, while expending their energies in futile disputes over dogmas.
418: Krumbacher, pp. 121-22, and passim (v. index); S. Salaville, s. V. in DHG, III, cols. 1030-35.