1185 Capture of Constantinople

In 1185, the capture of Constantinople occurred during the Byzantine Empire’s decline. The city, a vital trade and cultural hub, was taken by the armies of the Latin Empire, specifically led by the Hungarian King Béla III and the Byzantine rebel Alexios. This event marked a significant decline in Byzantine power, leading to a brief period of Latin rule over the city. The capture highlighted the fragmentation of Byzantine authority and the rising influence of foreign powers in the region, setting the stage for further territorial losses and the eventual fall of Constantinople in 1453.