The Latin Empire

The Latin Empire was a short-lived state established by Western European Crusaders in 1204 after they sacked Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. It aimed to control former Byzantine territories, especially Constantinople, which became its capital. The empire struggled with internal conflict, local resistance, and rival Byzantine successor states. It lasted until 1261, when the Byzantines successfully reclaimed Constantinople, ending Latin rule. The Latin Empire's existence highlights the complex medieval struggle for control of Byzantium and the influence of Crusades on regional politics.