Editing 1201 (section)

==== Byzantine Empire ====
* [[July 31]] &ndash; [[John Komnenos the Fat]], a Byzantine aristocrat, attempts to usurp the imperial throne; he is proclaimed emperor and crowned by Patriarch [[John X of Constantinople|John X Kamateros]], at [[Constantinople]]. Meanwhile, Emperor [[Alexios III Angelos]], who resides in the [[Palace of Blachernae]], dispatches a small force under [[Alexios Palaiologos (despot)|Alexios Palaiologos]], Alexios' son-in-law, who is regarded as his heir-apparent. With support of the [[Varangian Guard]], John is overthrown and decapitated by the end of the day. His head is displayed at the [[Forum of Constantine]], while John's supporters are captured and tortured to extract the names of all the conspirators.<ref>Angold, Michael (2005). "Byzantine politics vis-à-vis the Fourth Crusade", in [[Angeliki Laiou|Laiou, Angeliki E]]. (ed.), ''Urbs capta: the Fourth Crusade and its consequences'', Paris: Lethielleux, pp. 55–68. {{ISBN|2-283-60464-8}}.</ref><ref>Brand, Charles M. (1968). ''Byzantium confronts the West, 1180–1204'', pp. 123–124. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.</ref>
* Autumn &ndash; Prince [[Alexios IV Angelos|Alexios Angelos]], son of the deposed, blinded and imprisoned late Emperor [[Isaac II Angelos]], escapes from Constantinople. He makes his way to [[Kingdom of Sicily|Sicily]] and then [[Rome]] where he is turned away by Pope [[Pope Innocent III|Innocent III]]. Next, Alexios travels to the court of his brother-in-law, [[Philip of Swabia]], the King of [[Kingdom of Germany|Germany]], who receives him well.<ref>David Nicolle (2011). Osprey: Campaign - Nr. 237. ''The Fourth Crusade 1202–04. The betrayal of Byzantium'', p. 43. {{ISBN|978-1-84908-319-5}}.</ref>