 George Mouzalon ( Greek : Γεώργιος Μουζάλων , Geōrgios Mouzalōn ; ca . 1220 – 25 August 1258 ) was a high official of the Empire of Nicaea under Theodore II Laskaris ( r . 1254 – 1258 ) . Of humble origin , he became Theodore 's companion in childhood and was raised to high state office upon the latter 's assumption of the throne. Unterscheidung: Die Griechische Kaiser von Trapezunt (1204-1461) und die Byzantinische Kaiser von Nikaia (1204-1261) , in: Zeitschrift für die Geschichte Südosteuropas , 40 ,