George Amiroutzes was born in Trebizond in 1400. It was there where he received basic education. He continued his education Constantinople, where he studied theology, philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, medicine and geography. His sound education, his impressive appearance and flexibility with public relations brought good relations with the Palace in Constantinople and the Comnenes of Trebizond, from who he was awarded with the highest offices of Protovestiarios and Megas Logothetes. Amiroutzes was among the lay advisors at the Synod of Ferrara-Florence in 1437.

Isaak Argyros was born in Thrace around 1300-1310 and lived in Constantinople. As a monk, he took part in the religious controversies of Hesychasm and wrote treatises against Gregory Palamas. His scientific work is related to the fields of astronomy, arithmetic, trigonometry and geometry.