1261

For broader historical context, see 13th century.

Events

• 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.
  

  Births

• October 9 - King Denis of Portugal
• Daniel of Russia, Grand Prince of Moscow

  Deaths

• February 28 - Henry III, Duke of Brabant
• May 25 - Pope Alexander IV
• Ch'in Chiu-Shau, Chinese mathematician
• Queen Plaisance of Cyprus (regent)
  

  See also

• List of state leaders in 1261