Reconquest of Crete: What Happened
In 960 AD, the Byzantine Empire launched a massive expedition to recover Crete, which had been held by an Arab emirate for nearly 140 years and used as a base for pirate raids across the Aegean. Earlier attempts to retake the island had ended in disaster. This time, the emperor Romanos II entrusted the campaign to the general Nikephoros Phokas, who led a large fleet and army, equipped with Greek fire and specialized landing ships. After landing, the Byzantines defeated the Arab forces and besieged the fortified capital, Chandax, modern Heraklion. The siege lasted through a harsh winter. According to Byzantine accounts, Nikephoros used grim tactics to break the defenders' spirit, such as hurling the heads of captives over the walls. In March 961 AD, his forces stormed the city. Chandax was plundered, and many of its inhabitants were killed or enslaved. Crete returned to Byzantine rule, and Christian missionaries worked to reconvert the island. The victory ended the pirate threat and made Nikephoros a hero. He became emperor himself in 963.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Byzantium retake Crete?
The Byzantine Empire recaptured Crete in March 961 AD, after a siege of the capital Chandax, ending nearly 140 years of Arab rule.
Who led the reconquest of Crete?
The campaign was led by the general Nikephoros Phokas, who later became emperor in 963 AD.
What was Chandax?
Chandax was the fortified capital of the Arab Emirate of Crete. It later became Candia under Venetian rule and is modern Heraklion.
How did Nikephoros Phokas capture Chandax?
After a long siege through a harsh winter, Byzantine forces stormed the city in March 961 AD. The city was plundered, and many inhabitants were killed or enslaved.
Why was the reconquest of Crete important?
The victory ended the pirate threat to the Aegean from Crete and brought the island back into the Byzantine world, where missionaries worked to reconvert it.
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