John III Doukas Vatatzes Emperor and Autocrat of the Romans (Claimant) Portrait of John III from a 15th-century manuscript Emperor of Nicaea Claimant Byzantine Emperor Reign 15 December 1222 – 3 November 1254 Predecessor Theodore I Laskaris Successor Theodore II Laskaris Born c. 1193 Didymoteicho Died 3 November 1254 Nymphaion Burial Monastery of Sosandra, region of Magnesia Spouse Irene Laskarina Anna of Hohenstaufen Issue Theodore II Laskaris Full name John III Doukas Vatatzes Dynasty Laskaris Dynasty Father Basileios Vatatzes Mother Unknown