The world in 1261 AD — what happened that year

9 events the sources record for this year, grouped by region.

What happened

Kublai's army met Ariq Böke at Ximutunao'er; Hedan and others beheaded the enemy general Hedanhuoerchi and three thousand soldiers. (History of Yuan (Yuanshi), Annals 元史卷4 世祖 1261年 11月)
Liu Zheng, the Song commissioner of Luzhou, surrendered and offered his city. (History of Yuan (Yuanshi), Annals 元史卷4 世祖 1261年)
In the sixth month, day gengshen, Liu Zheng, deputy envoy of Tongchuan Pacification, raised Luzhou in rebellion and surrendered to the Mongols. (Xu Zizhi Tongjian (Continuation of the Comprehensive Mirror) 권176 六月 단락176.26.0)

At night Strategopoulos's unit lets more than 15 men in through a gap in the wall. (George Akropolites, History c.85 · L1400–1402)
Strategopoulos and the Roman army enter Constantinople, the Latins flee and the city returns to Roman hands (25 July). (George Akropolites, History c.85 · L1455–1456)
Emperor Michael reaches Constantinople on 14 August and camps at the Kosmidion monastery near Blachernae. (George Akropolites, History c.88 · L1675–1677)
Ariq Böke's army was defeated, and only a few, including Chumqur and Qaracha, escaped; Ariq and his army fled in terror. (Rashid al-Din, Jami' al-tawarikh (Compendium of Chronicles) 87460_djvu.txt 줄 21245–21248)

Emperor Michael crosses the hill of Kalamai and camps near Akyraos. (George Akropolites, History c.87 · L1631–1632)

Archbishop Dalmat covers the whole of St. Sophia Cathedral with lead. (Novgorod First Chronicle litopys 기사 1261년)