1261

For broader historical context, see 1260s and 13th century.

Years: 1258 1259 1260 – 1261 – 1262 1263 1264
Decades: 1230s 1240s 1250s – 1260s – 1270s 1280s 1290s
Centuries: 12th century – 13th century – 14th century 1261 state leaders

Events

Hagia Sofia in Constantinople. The city was captured by the Empire of Nicaea on July 25, 1261, thus re-establishing the Byzantine Empire.

January – Pope bans the movement of Flagellants.
July 25 – Critical event – The city of Constantinople is recaptured by Nicaean forces under the command of Michael VIII Palaeologus, thus re-establishing the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines also succeed in capturing Thessalonica and the rest of the Latin Empire.
August 29 – Urban IV becomes Pope, the last man to do so without being a Cardinal first.
King Henry III of England obtains a papal bull releasing him from the Provisions of Oxford, preceding the Second Barons' War, a civil war started in 1263.
The population of Greenland accepts the overlordship of the King of Norway.
The Japanese Bun'o era ends, and the Kocho era begins.
The Convent of Wurmsbach is established in Switzerland.
Baibars establishes a puppet Caliphate in Cairo.
Bela IV of Hungary repels a Tatar invasion.