Fall of Constantinople

The Fall of Constantinople occurred in 1453 when the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Mehmed II, captured the city, which was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Despite its strong defenses, Constantinople was overwhelmed by the Ottomans' superior numbers and artillery, especially their massive cannons. The city's fall marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and a significant shift in power, leading to the spread of Islam in Eastern Europe and the Ottomans' dominance in the region. This event also prompted European nations to seek new trade routes, ultimately contributing to the Age of Exploration.