The Palaiologan Dynasty, as the ruling dynasty of the Roman Empire, is one of the more powerful and connected political families in the world, with allies and resources across the European continent and considerable influence abroad. To their own people, the Palaiologans are seen as saviors of the Empire, even though the first few rulers of the dynasty were hard-fisted rulers who frequently fought amongst themselves in the pursuit of dramatically declining political power and prestige. There is truth to the statement, however, that the Palaiologan Dynasty helped save the Empire and allow it to recover its strength.