Empire of Nicaea

The Empire of Nicaea was a Byzantine Greek state that emerged after the Fourth Crusade in 1204, when Constantinople was captured and the Byzantine Empire was fragmented. Centered in the city of Nicaea (modern-day İznik, Turkey), it became a refuge for surviving Byzantine leaders and a key player in the struggle to restore the Byzantine Empire. The Empire of Nicaea focused on military strength and diplomatic efforts to reclaim Constantinople, which it achieved in 1261. It played a vital role in preserving Byzantine culture and governance during a period of significant turmoil and change in the region.