Empire of Nicaea , independent principality of the fragmented Byzantine Empire , founded in 1204 by Theodore I Lascaris (1208–22); It served as a political and cultural center from the mid-13th century at Michael VIII Paleologus a restored Byzantium emerged .
Britannica Quiz The Middle East:Fact or Fiction? Is the literacy rate very high in Afghanistan? Does Yemen take its name from the Arabic word "northern"? Sort the facts in this quiz about Syria, Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries. Theodore fled with others Byzantine Leaders after the capture of Constantinople by the Latin Crusaders in 1204 after Anatolia and settled into Nicaea (today İznik, Tur.), 64 km SE, down. Theodore was crowned emperor in 1208 and gradually gained control of much of western Anatolia. He and his successors sponsored a revival of Greek studies in their capital.
The next emperor of Nicaea was John Vatatzes attempting to conquer Constantinople before his rival Theodore Angelus, Despot from Epirus, or John Asen II by Bulgaria Reclaim (1218–41). He defeated Theodore in Klokotnitsa (in Bulgaria) in 1230. Between 1240 and 1250 he negotiated with the western emperor Frederick II. (1220–50) for help in recapturing Constantinople, but nothing came of the pact.
Theodore II Lascaris (1254–58) and John IV Lascaris (1258–61) retained the strength throughout their brief reign Nicaea against the invading Mongols. In 1261 a Nicaian general, Michael Palaeologus, retook Constantinople and as Michael VIII . Founded the last Dynasty the Byzantine Emperor.