Treaty of Nymphaeus (1261)

The Treaty of Nymphaeus was an agreement concluded on 1261 in the city of Nemest (now Qimpasha in Turkey) by representatives of the Nicene Empire and the Republic of Genoa.

Background

The treaty provided for the broadest trade privileges to be granted to Genoa in exchange for their help in recapturing Constantinople, the former capital of Byzantium. This agreement was a result of the initiative taken by Genoa, who sought to avenge the Venetians for their defeats in the Palestinian war of Saint Sava, particularly for the expulsion from Acre in 1258.

Preparation

According to the Genoese annals, "remembering the Venetian grievances, the Genoese stopped at nothing to create difficulties for their opponents." The proposal of Genoa came in handy for the Nicene emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus, who had failed to retake Constantinople from the Latins after the unsuccessful siege of Galata in the spring of 1260. Michael was concerned with rumors that Pope Roman was gathering troops to help the Latin Empire and hoped to find an ally in Genoa.

Significance

The treaty marked a significant turning point in the history of the Nicene Empire, as it secured the support of Genoa in their efforts to retake Constantinople from the Latins. The agreement also granted Genoa broad trade privileges, which would have far-reaching consequences for the economy and politics of the region.

References

Note: I've kept the original text intact while making minor adjustments for grammar, punctuation, and consistency. I've also removed any redundant information and conflicts to create a cohesive article.