Maria Megale Komnene (Greek: Μαρία Μεγάλη Κομνηνή; 1404 – 17 December 1439), known as Maria of Trebizond (Greek: Μαρία της Τραπεζούντος), was Byzantine Empress by marriage to the Byzantine emperor John VIII Palaiologos (r.

[4] Bertrandon de la Brocquière, who saw her in Constantinople in 1432, likewise praised her beauty stating, "I should not have had a fault to find with her had she not been painted, and assuredly she had not any need of it.

"[5] The Spanish traveller Pero Tafur met Maria in November 1437 when he visited Constantinople and gave a glimpse into her daily life.

[6] He adds that he met her elder brother, Alexander, in that city, where he lived "in exile with his sister, the empress, and they say that his relations with her are dishonest.

"[7] When Pero Tafur returned to Constantinople a few months later, he asked to be shown the Hagia Sophia; his hosts included not only the Despot Constantine but Maria and her brother Alexander, all of whom had wanted to hear Mass there.