Theodore II Laskaris was a Byzantine emperor who ruled from 1254 to 1258. He was the son of John III Doukas Laskaris and became the emperor of the Empire of Nicaea, a state that emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire to the Latin Empire in 1204. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the empire and restore its former glory. During his short rule, Theodore II faced challenges from both internal factions and external threats, particularly from the Latin Empire and the Seljuk Turks. He was known for his patronage of the arts and education, contributing to the cultural revival of the Byzantine tradition. His reign ended with his untimely death in 1258.