History of Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe's history is marked by diverse cultures, empires, and conflicts. Historically, regions like the Balkans, the Carpathians, and the Baltic states have seen the rise and fall of empires such as the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian. The area experienced shifting borders, wars, and colonization, influenced by its strategic location between Europe and Asia. In the 20th century, Communist regimes governed much of the region, ending with the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, leading to democratic transitions and integration into Europe. This complex history shapes Eastern Europe's rich cultural diversity today.