Latin Empire

The Latin Empire was a short-lived state established in 1204 after the Fourth Crusade, which led to the capture of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It lasted until 1261 when the Byzantines reclaimed the city. The Latin Empire was largely controlled by Western European powers, particularly from France and Venice, and aimed to spread Latin Catholic culture in the region. However, it struggled with internal strife and resistance from local populations. The Latin Empire's establishment marked a significant moment in the decline of Byzantium and the shifting dynamics of power in Eastern Europe.