1252: Choresm tries to attack the rich kingdom of Ormus, but is surprisingly defeated by the strong fleet of the latter. 1253 (as OTL): Nikaia attacks Epirus / Thessalia. After hard fights they conquer Thessaloniki. 1254 (as OTL): After the death of Ioannis III Vatatzes, Michael VIII Palaiologos comes to power in Nikaia by a coup. 1255: Shah Jalal-ad-Din of Choresm dies. Some areas of his empire (Kara-Kitai, Afghanistan) try to break away. Kara-Kitai manage to stay independent, but Afghanistan is pacified in the following years and stays in the fold. 1278: Achaia acquired by Charles of Anjou.