Battle of Pelagonia
Pelagonia (also called Kastoria), southern Balkans
What happened
The Byzantine Empire of Nicaea, under John Palaiologos, fought an alliance of Epirus, the Principality of Achaea under William of Villehardouin, and knights sent by Manfred of Sicily. After crusaders took Constantinople in 1204, rival states fought over the Byzantine lands. At Pelagonia, Nicaean troops wore down the allied army with hit-and-run raids, and the ruler of Epirus fled on the eve of battle. The remaining Latin knights were caught and defeated, and William of Villehardouin was captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It removed the main obstacle to Nicaea's recovery of Constantinople. The alliance against Nicaea collapsed.
What came next
On 25 July 1261, the Nicaean general Alexios Strategopoulos took Constantinople with a small force, restoring the Byzantine Empire. William of Villehardouin was freed in 1262 in exchange for three fortresses, including Mystras.
Did you know?
Constantinople was retaken when local farmers led Nicaean soldiers through a secret passage to open a city gate.
Timeline
- 1259Nicaea wins at Pelagonia.
- 25 July 1261Nicaea recaptures Constantinople.
- 15 August 1261Michael VIII enters Constantinople.
- 1262William of Villehardouin is released.