The conquest of Chandax by Nikephoros Phokas stands as a notable chapter in the Byzantine reconquest of Crete from the Emirate of Crete. Chandax, known in modern times as Heraklion, represented a vital strategic and commercial hub during the Islamic occupation. In the years leading up to the attack, Byzantine forces had been actively engaged in attempts to reclaim lost territories, and Phokas, a skilled military strategist, spearheaded these efforts in the late 10th century. His campaign in 961 was characterized by well-planned sieges and the implementation of advanced military tactics of the period.

As Phokas and his army besieged Chandax, they faced fierce resistance from the emirate’s defenders. The battle involved both land and naval engagements, reflecting the importance of maritime control in ensuring the success of the operation. Ultimately, the city fell after a period of intense fighting, resulting in a decisive defeat for the emirate. This victory not only marked the end of Muslim rule in Crete but also enabled the Byzantines to reestablish their influence across the Mediterranean.

The aftermath of the siege saw the local population gradually integrated into the Byzantine Empire, leading to significant cultural and administrative changes on the island. The Byzantine restoration paved the way for a Christian renewal in Crete, fostering the spread of Byzantine culture and Orthodox Christianity as a counter to the prior Islamic influence. Over the subsequent decades, Crete became increasingly central to Byzantine maritime security and trade.