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<youtube>https__NOTOC__[[File://wwwConstantinople.youtube.com/watch?v=Hnxmh_NxPcs</youtube>jpg |250px|thumbnail|left|Sultan Mehmet I the conqueror of Constantinople]]

__NOTOC__[[File: Constantinople.jpg |250px|thumb|left|Sultan Mehmet I the conqueror of Constantinople]]The Byzantine Empire, also known as New Rome, was very influential on the in Europe's history and culture of Europe during the Middle Ages. By the 15th century, the Empire was in terminal decline and had been for several centuries. At this time , the various Italian city-states were experiencing experienced a cultural flowering that is known by historians as the Renaissance. In 1453 the , Byzantium's capital of Byzantium fell to the Ottoman Turkish army , and this was the effective end of the Byzantine Empire, that which had endured for almost 1000 years.  The fall of the city was to have immense consequences for the Italian Renaissance. Fleeing Greek scholars were to influence the direction and the course of the Renaissance decisively. It led to the increasing availability of Greek learning that changed the intellectual climate in Italy. This led to a greater knowledge of Ancient Greek language and lore in philosophy and Renaissance science. The Fall of Constantinople also changed the geopolitics of the Mediterranean, and it left Italy exposed to Ottoman attacks. The Byzantine Empire's end also contributed to the decline of the great cities of Genoa and Venice.  == What was the relationship between Byzantium and Italy before the Fall of Constantinople in 1453? ==[[File: Constantinople 2.jpg|250px|thumbnail|left| The reconstructed walls of Constantinople]] Byzantium and Italy had a long and complicated history. In the 6th century, Emperor Justinian reconquered much of the peninsulas from the Goths after a devastating war. The Byzantines lost much of their conquests after the Germanic tribe. The Lombards invaded Italy. However, Byzantium retained control of Sicily and much of Southern Italy. There was a Byzantine presence in Italy until the mid-1050s until the Normans expelled them during their conquest of southern Italy and Sicily. Byzantium was often at odds with the Papacy in Rome over ecclesiastical jurisdictions and theological and liturgical disputes. These were ultimately to lead to the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western churches in the 11th century. Italians and Byzantines came into conflict in the aftermath of the ‘Latin massacre’ in Byzantium. This was the widespread killing of Italian merchants in the city in the 12th century.

The fall Then in 1204, the Venetians led the Fourth Crusade to capture the city of Constantinople. Despite the city tensions, there was a great deal of cultural exchange resulting from trade. Byzantine culture was to have immense consequences for very influential in the history of Italian Renaissanceart and architecture. Fleeing Greek scholars were to decisively influence the direction and 'New Rome' influenced the course evolution of painting in the Renaissancecity-states. It led to an increasing availability For example, the Byzantine tradition of Greek learning that changed the intellectual climate icon painting was decisive in Italyearly Italian painting. This led to a greater knowledge of Ancient Greek language was also the case in architecture, and lore the styles developed in the field Eastern empire inspired Italian architects in the early years of philosophy and the Renaissance science. The Fall of Constantinople also changed However, by the geopolitics of the Mediterranean 14th century, Byzantium's influence and it left culture were negligible in Italy exposed to Ottoman attacksas the Renaissance entered its most important phase. The end of Indeed the Byzantine Empire also contributed to the decline of the great cities of Genoa and Venicewas regarded with contempt by many Italians.

====Background==Why was the Ottoman Empire able to seize Constantinople in 1453? ==[[File: Constantinople 2By 1453 the Byzantine Empire was splintered, and three so-called Empires were, in reality, only minor statelets.jpg|350px|thumb|left| The reconstructed walls One was the city of Constantinople]]Byzantium and Italy had a long , its hinterland, and complicated historysome Aegean islands. In the 6th century, the Emperor Justinian reconquered much of the peninsulas from the Goths after a devastating war. The Byzantines lost much of their conquests after Italy was invaded Ottoman Empire had expanded into Europe by the Germanic tribe1450s, the Lombards. However, Byzantium retained control of Sicily and much of Southern Italy. There it was a Byzantine presence powerful military state. The Ottomans had besieged Constantinople in Italy until the mid-1050s until they were expelled by the Normans during their conquest of southern Italy past but had failed to overcome its apparently invincible ramparts.<ref> Philippides, Marios and SicilyWalter K. Byzantium was often at odds with the Papacy in Rome over ecclesiastical jurisdictions and theological and liturgical disputesHanak, [https://www. These were ultimately to lead to the Great Schism between the Eastern and Western churches in the 11th centuryamazon. Italians com/gp/product/B071RR7SPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071RR7SPD&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=efeec868927c19355c051e66a76a7116 The Siege and Byzantines came into conflict in the aftermath Fall of the ‘Latin massacre’ Constantinople in Byzantium. This was the widespread killing of Italian merchants in the city in the 12th century1453] (Ashgate, Farnham and Burlington 2011), p. 56</ref>

Then in 1204, the Venetians led the Fourth Crusade Sultan Mehmet I was determined to capture take the city of Byzantium. Despite the tensions, there was a great deal of cultural exchangeChristian enclave in his Empire, much of and he feared that it as a result of tradecould be used to attack his realm. Byzantine culture was very influential in Then Mehmet wanted the history prestige of Italian art and architecture. 'New Rome' influenced capturing the evolution famed city of painting in Constantinople. By the city-states1450s, for examples the Byzantine tradition city was only a shadow of icon painting was decisive on early Italian paintingits former glories. This was also The Black Plague had decimated the case in architecture population, and the styles developed in the Eastern empire inspired Italian architects in the early years of the Renaissancecity was largely uninhabited. HoweverIt was reckoned that there were only 50-60, by 000 citizens within the 14th centuryfamous Theodosian Walls.<ref>Phillpides et al., the influence of Byzantium and its culture was negligible in Italy as the Renaissance entered its most important phase. Indeed the Byzantine were regarded with contempt by many in Italiansp.89</ref>

====The Fall of Constantinople (1453)====By 1453 the Byzantine Empire was splintered and there were three so-called Empires that were, in reality only minor statelets. One Emperor was the city of ConstantinopleConstantine XI Palaiologos, its hinterland and some Aegean islands. The Ottoman Empire he had expanded into Europe by the 1450s little power and it even fewer resources. He was widely esteemed and regarded as a powerful military statebrave monarch, but the Turks hopelessly outnumbered him. The Ottomans He had besieged Constantinople is scarcely any men with which to defend the walls of the past but had failed to overcome its apparently invincible rampartscity.<ref> Philippides, Marios The Emperor was dependent on some mercenaries and volunteers from all over Europe and Walter K. Hanak, [https://wwwespecially Italy.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RR7SPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071RR7SPD&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=efeec868927c19355c051e66a76a7116 The Siege Genoese contributed ships and men to the Fall defense of Constantinople in 1453] (Ashgate, Farnham and Burlington 2011), pthe city. 56</ref> Sultan Mehmet I was determined to take the city which was assembled a Christian enclave in his Empire and he feared huge army of 60,000 men that it could be used to attack his realmpossessed massive cannons. Then Mehmet wanted Despite the prestige weakness of capturing the famed city of Constantinople. By the 1450s the city , it was only a shadow of its former glories. The Black Plague had decimated the population and still regarded as the best-defended city was largely uninhabited. It was reckoned that there were only 50-60,000 citizens within the famous Theodosian Walls.<ref>Phillpides et al, pin Europe. 89</ref>

The Emperor was Constantine XI Palaiologos and he had little power and even fewer resources. He was widely esteemed and regarded as a brave monarch, but he was hopelessly outnumbered by the Turks. He had scarcely any men with which to defend the walls of the city. The Emperor was dependent on the services of some mercenaries and volunteers from all over Europe and especially Italy. The Genoese contributed ships and men to the defense of the city. Sultan Mehmet assembled a huge army, of 60,000 men that possessed massive cannons. Despite the weakness of the city it was still regarded as the best-defended city in Europe. The Ottomans besieged the city for fifty-three days and blockaded Constantinople by land and sea. The defenders fought valiantly against the Turks and threw back several assaults. The Ottomans used their heavy cannons to breach the walls , and they swarmed into Constantinople. There followed a great massacre and After the death of walls fell the Byzantine Emperor was killed in battle. The Italians who fought the Byzantines survived the siege and managed to bring many citizens of Constantinople with them to Italy.

====How did the introduction of ancient Greek scholars and scholarship from Byzatium change the Italian Renaissance==? ==The fall of Constantinople and the remaining Byzantine territories led to a flood of refugees traveling to Europe and especially Western Europe. Many settled in Italy , and in particular, many scholars found refuge in Italy. These refugees included grammarians, humanists, poets, writers, printers, lecturers, musicians, astronomers, architects , scribes, philosophers, scientists, politicians, and theologians. They brought with them manuscripts from the destroyed libraries of Constantinople and other Byzantine cities.<ref> Deno J. Geanakoplos, [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0208016155/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0208016155&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=bc6767fb9c8aae8c080f08a6bc0a2deb Byzantine East and Latin West: Two worlds Worlds of Christendom in Middle Ages and Renaissance] (Harper & Row Publishers, New York, 1966), p. 117</ref>

Prior to Before the 15th century , the Italian humanist has been preoccupied with the study of rhetoric. They were not really interested in metaphysical speculation. However, this was to change with the introduction of, Plato's complete works for the first time of the complete works of Plato. The dialogues of the Fifth-century Athenian philosopher was to transform the views of many humanists.

In Florence, the works of Plato led to the development of a neo-Platonist school of philosophy. The introduction of the thought of Plato led to a greater focus on metaphysical rather than ethical speculations. The Greek scholars also brought original copies of the works of Aristotle. Previously the works of this great thinker were only available through Arab commentaries , especially those of Averroes. For the first time after the fall of Constantinople, Italian humanists could study the work of this philosopher 's work under the guidance of Byzantine refugees. This led to a new appreciation of the Greek and his thought , and many argue that it influences the humanists' concept of Virtu or excellence.<ref>Deno, p. 118</ref>

The Aristotelian notion of Virtu was one that was widely used, by Italian thinkers. It was Machiavelli utilized by Machiavelli it in his study of power and history. The new manuscripts and the commentaries on Aristotle showed the Italians a new side of the great thinker, one which was not previously available to them previously. They learned that Aristotle emphasized the role of empirical study and investigation and that experiment was necessary to establish the truth. The Aristotelian emphasis on practical knowledge (praxis) encouraged many Italian scholars to adopt a greater emphasis on observation and experiment and this , which helped to foster the growth of science in Italy at this time.<ref>Deno, p. 187</ref>

====The Did the Ottoman Empire and the threat try to invade Italy==? ==[[File: Constantinople Three.jpg|300px250px|thumb|left| The walls of Otranto]] The Fall of Constantinople shocked Europe , and when the news that the capital of the New Rome had fallen, there was consternation, even panic. After 1453 there was widespread fear , and many Christian kingdoms feared an Ottoman invasion was likely. The Fall of Constantinople was to change changed the geopolitical situation in the Mediterranean. Many feared that Italy was the next target of the Ottomans , whose army was feared to be seen as invincible. The end of the Byzantine Empire 's end meant that the Turks Ottomans could concentrate upon on expanding to the west and east. Successive Popes called for a crusade in order to reclaim Constantinople and to defend the Italian city-states from a Turkish onslaught. There was a great deal of fear in Italy. These fears were realized in 1480 when the Turks invaded Southern Italy and seized Otranto's city, part of the Kingdom of Naples.  Forces of the Ottoman Empire occupied the city and slaughtered some 800 locals who refused to convert to Islam.<ref> Howard, Douglas A., [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521727308/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521727308&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=9bddcab4f5f4d4d03525ca01580f5cbe A History of the Ottoman Empire]. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017) p, 113</ref> Many feared that Southern Italy and even Rome would fall. However, the city was later recaptured by a coalition of Christian forces. The invasion of Otrantoshowed the weakness of the Italian city-states and especially the kingdom of Naples. The Ottomans' fear persuaded many Italians in the 16th century to accept the rule of either French or Spanish monarchs, part as they could better protect Italy from the seemingly invincible Muslim Empire. However, the Ottomans focused on Vienna's capture and their battle with the Safavid Empire, which spared Italy from a further invasion. == Why did the Fall of Constantinople weaken Venice and Genoa? == The Fall of Constantinople profoundly impacted two of the most prominent Italian city-states, Venice and Genoa, great trading and maritime powers. The Fall of Constantinople led to the collapse of Genoese influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the city’s key ally's loss. The loss of the Constantinople trade led to a decline in the economic fortunes of the city. Indeed, the city went into rapid decline, and it was regularly in a state of near-anarchy as rival noble families battled for control in the states.  So dire was the situation that by the early 16th century, under its Doge, was voluntarily submitted to the Spanish monarchy to revive its economy and endemic violence in the city. Venice had arguably played a critical role in Byzantium's decline when it diverted the Fourth Crusade to attack the Empire. It benefitted enormously from the capture of Byzantium by the Kingdom Fourth Crusade and allowed it to develop a maritime Empire out of former Byzantine possessions. <ref>Pullan, Brian S., History of NaplesEarly Renaissance Italy (London: Lane, 1973), p. 117</ref>

Forces of Venice, after the Ottoman Empire occupied the city and slaughtered some 800 locals who refused to convert to Islam.<ref> Howard, Douglas A., [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521727308/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521727308&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=9bddcab4f5f4d4d03525ca01580f5cbe A History Fall of the Ottoman Empire]. (Cambridge: Cambridge University PressConstantinople, 2017) pwas obliged to defend its possession, 113</ref> Many feared that Southern Italy such as Crete and even Rome would fall. HoweverThessalonica, when the Turks disrupted its trade. The city -state was later recaptured by to become entangled in a coalition of Christian forces. The invasion of Otranto showed bitter struggle with the weakness of Ottomans in the Italian city-states Eastern Mediterranean and especially the kingdom of NaplesBalkans. The fear of Venetians opposed the Ottomans persuaded many Italians in the 16th century Turks from Cyprus to Albania and managed to accept inflict several defeats on the rule of either French or Spanish monarchs, as they could better protect Italy from the seemingly invincible Muslim EmpireSultans armies. However, the wars with the Ottomans focused on the capture of Vienna and their battle with was to weaken the Safavid Venetian Empire and this possibly spared Italy from a further invasion.

==== The Fall It has been argued that the constant wars contributed to the decline of Constantinople: Venice and Genoa====<div class="portal" style='float:right; width:35%'>====Related Articles===={{#dpl:category=Renaissance History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=9}}</div>The Fall of Constantinople had over a profound impact on two period of the most prominent Italian city-states, Venice and Genoadecades. From Italy's perspective, both of whom were great trading and maritime powers. The Fall of Constantinople led to the collapse of Genoese influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and Venetians became very preoccupied with the loss defense of the city’s key ally. The loss of the Constantinople trade led to a decline their possessions in the economic fortunes of the city. Indeed, the city went into rapid decline Balkans and it was regularly in a state of near-anarchy as rival noble families battled for control in the statesAegean Sea. So dire was the situation that by the early 16th century, under its DogeAs Venice lost territories, it voluntarily submitted sought to the Spanish monarchy, in order to revive its economy expand into Northern Italy and end the endemic violence in especially the cityPo Valley. Venice had arguably played This factor led to a critical role in the decline series of Byzantium when it diverted wars, such as the Fourth Crusade to attack the EmpireCambri War (1508-1516). It benefitted enormously from the capture The Fall of Byzantium by the Fourth Crusade Constantinople was a decisive turning point for both Genoa and allowed Venice, although it to develop a maritime Empire out of former Byzantine possessionswas not the sole reason for their long decline. <ref>Pullan, Brian S., History of Early Renaissance Italy (London: Lane, 1973), p. 11720</ref>

Venice after == How did the Fall of Constantinople was obliged to defend its possession such as Crete and Thessalonica, at a time when its trade was disrupted by the Turks. The city-state was to become entangled into a bitter struggle with the Ottomans in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkanschange Italy? ==[[File: Constantinople Four. jpg|250px|thumbnail|left| The Venetians opposed the Turks from Cyprus to Albania and managed to inflict several defeats of the Sultans armies. However, the wars with the Ottomans was to weaken the Venetian Empire. It has been argued that the constant wars contributed to the decline of Venice over a period of decades. From the perspective of Italy, the Venetians became very preoccupied with the defense of their possessions in the Balkans and in the Aegean Sea. As Venice lost territories it sought to expand into Northern Italy and especially the Po Valley, this was one Battle of the factors that led to a series of wars such as the Cambri War Zonchio (1508-15161499). The Fall of Constantinople was a decisive turning point for both Genoa between Turks and Venice, although it was not the sole reason for their long decline.<ref>Pullan, p. 20</ref>Venetians]]

====Conclusion====[[File: Constantinople Four.jpg|200px|thumb|left| The Battle of Zonchio (1499) between Turks and Venetians]]The Fall of Constantinople was the end of an era for Europe. The end of the Byzantine Empire was both a blessing and a curse for Renaissance Italy. There was a flood of refugees from Constantinople , and many scholars found sanctuary in the various Italians Italian city-states. These brought with them knowledge of the Ancient classics and precious manuscripts that allowed the humanists better to have a better understanding of understand philosophers and other writers from the ancient world. This helped to change the direction of humanist thought , and it began to focus on metaphysical speculation and concepts such as virtue.

The Fall of the capital of the Byzantine world 's capital raised the threat level posed by the Ottomans to Italy. For several decades after the capture of Constantinople, the Italian states lived in the shadow of the Ottomans. The end of the Byzantine Empire was a catastrophe for Venice and Genoa. The loss of trade and the Turkish Sultans' persistent attacks from the Turkish Sultans led to the decline of both city-states. The Fall of Constantinople for Genoa led to a crisis that severely weakened the Republic. In the Venice's case of Venice is , it led to a period of relative decline period as the city had to fight regular costly wars with the Turks.