Fall of the Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, fell in 1453 primarily due to military decline, internal strife, and the rise of the Ottoman Turks. Key events include the empire's weakening from centuries of conflict, particularly with the Crusades and neighboring states, which drained resources and territory. The final blow was the siege of Constantinople by the Ottomans, who utilized advanced military technology, such as cannons. The city's capture marked the end of a millennium-long empire, shifting power dynamics and paving the way for Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean.