Editing Crete (section)

===Byzantine Empire – second period===
{{Main|Byzantine Crete}}

In 961, [[Nikephoros II Phokas|Nikephoros Phokas]] returned the island to Byzantine rule after expelling the Arabs.{{sfn|Panagiotakis|1987|p=XVI}} Extensive efforts at conversion of the populace were undertaken, led by [[John Xenos]] and [[Nikon the Metanoeite|Nikon "the Metanoeite"]].{{sfn|Gregory|Kazhdan|1991|pp=545–546}}{{sfn|Treadgold|1997|p=495}} The reconquest of Crete was a major achievement for the Byzantines, as it restored Byzantine control over the Aegean littoral and diminished the threat of [[Saracen]] pirates, for which Crete had provided a base of operations.

In 1204, the [[Fourth Crusade]] seized and sacked the imperial capital of [[Constantinople]]. Crete was initially granted to leading Crusader [[Boniface of Montferrat]]{{sfn|Panagiotakis|1987|p=XVI}} in the partition of spoils that followed. However, Boniface sold his claim to the [[Republic of Venice]],{{sfn|Panagiotakis|1987|p=XVI}} whose forces made up the majority of the Crusade. Venice's rival the [[Republic of Genoa]] immediately seized the island and it was not until 1212 that Venice secured Crete as a colony.