In 961, Nikephoros Phokas returns the island of Crete to East Roman (Byzantine) rule after expelling the Arabs.

In 1204, the Fourth Crusade seizes and sacks the imperial capital of Constantinople.

Crete is initially granted to leading Crusader Boniface of Montferrat in the partition of spoils that follows.

However, Boniface sells his claim to the Republic of Venice whose forces make up the majority of the Crusade.

Venice's rival the Republic of Genoa immediately seizes the island and it is not until 1212 that Venice secures Crete as a colony.