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[[File: Constantinople.jpg |300px250px|thumbthumbnail|left|Sultan Mehmet I the conqueror of Constantinople]]The Byzantine Empire, also known as New Rome, was very influential on the 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 a cultural flowering that is known by historians as the Renaissance. In 1453 the capital of Byzantium fell to the Ottoman Turkish army and this was the effective end of the Byzantine Empire, that had endured for almost 1000 years.

The fall of the city Byzantine Empire, also known as New Rome, was to have immense consequences for influential in Europe's history and culture during the Italian RenaissanceMiddle Ages. Fleeing Greek scholars were to decisively influence By the 15th century, the direction Empire was in terminal decline and had been for several centuries. At this time, the course of various Italian city-states experienced a cultural flowering known by historians as the Renaissance. It led In 1453, Byzantium's capital fell to an increasing availability of Greek learning that changed the intellectual climate in Italy. This led to a greater knowledge of Ancient Greek language Ottoman Turkish army, and lore in the field of philosophy and Renaissance science. The Fall of Constantinople also changed this was the geopolitics of the Mediterranean and it left Italy exposed to Ottoman attacks. The effective end of the Byzantine Empire also contributed to the decline of the great cities of Genoa and Venice, which had endured for almost 1000 years.

====Background==What was the relationship between Byzantium and Italy before the Fall of Constantinople in 1453? ==[[File: Constantinople 2.jpg|350px250px|thumbthumbnail|left| The reconstructed walls of Constantinople]]Byzantium and Italy had a long and complicated history. 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 by the Germanic tribe, the Lombards. However, Byzantium retained control of Sicily and much of Southern Italy. There was a Byzantine presence in Italy until the mid-1050s until they were expelled by the Normans 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.

Then in 1204, the Venetians led the Fourth Crusade to capture the city of Byzantiumand Italy had a long and complicated history. Despite In the tensions, there was a great deal of cultural exchange6th century, Emperor Justinian reconquered much of it as the peninsulas from the Goths after a result devastating war. The Byzantines lost much of tradetheir conquests after the Germanic tribe. The Lombards invaded Italy. Byzantine culture was very influential in the history However, Byzantium retained control of Italian art Sicily and architecturemuch of Southern Italy. 'New Rome' influenced the evolution of painting There was a Byzantine presence in Italy until the citymid-states, for examples 1050s until the Byzantine tradition Normans expelled them during their conquest of icon painting was decisive on early Italian paintingsouthern Italy and Sicily. This Byzantium was also often at odds with the case Papacy in architecture Rome over ecclesiastical jurisdictions and theological and liturgical disputes. These were ultimately to lead to the Great Schism between the styles developed Eastern and Western churches in the Eastern empire inspired Italian architects 11th century. Italians and Byzantines came into conflict in the early years aftermath of the Renaissance‘Latin massacre’ in Byzantium. However, by the 14th century, This was the influence widespread killing of Byzantium and its culture was negligible Italian merchants in Italy as the Renaissance entered its most important phase. Indeed city in the Byzantine were regarded with contempt by many in Italians12th century.

====The Fall Then in 1204, the Venetians led the Fourth Crusade to capture the city of Constantinople (1453)====By 1453 . Despite the tensions, there was a great deal of cultural exchange resulting from trade. Byzantine Empire culture was splintered and there were three so-called Empires that were, very influential in reality only minor statelets. One was the city history of Constantinople, its hinterland Italian art and some Aegean islandsarchitecture. The Ottoman Empire had expanded into Europe by 'New Rome' influenced the 1450s and it was a powerful military state. The Ottomans had besieged Constantinople is evolution of painting in the past but had failed to overcome its apparently invincible rampartscity-states.<ref> PhilippidesFor example, Marios and Walter K. Hanak, The Siege and the Fall Byzantine tradition of Constantinople icon painting was decisive in 1453 (Ashgate, Farnham and Burlington 2011), pearly Italian painting. 56</ref> Sultan Mehmet I This was determined to take also the city which was a Christian enclave case in his Empire architecture, and he feared that it could be used to attack his realm. Then Mehmet wanted the prestige styles developed in the Eastern empire inspired Italian architects in the early years of capturing the famed city of ConstantinopleRenaissance. By However, by the 1450s 14th century, Byzantium's influence and culture were negligible in Italy as the city was only a shadow of Renaissance entered its former gloriesmost important phase. The Black Plague had decimated Indeed the population and the city Byzantine was largely uninhabited. It was reckoned that there were only 50-60,000 citizens within the famous Theodosian Walls.<ref>Phillpides et al, pregarded with contempt by many Italians. 89</ref>

The Emperor == Why was Constantine XI Palaiologos and he had little power and even fewer resources. He the Ottoman Empire able to seize Constantinople in 1453? ==By 1453 the Byzantine Empire was widely esteemed splintered, and regarded as a brave monarchthree so-called Empires were, in reality, but he only minor statelets. One 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 Constantinople, its hinterland, and some mercenaries and volunteers from all over Europe and especially ItalyAegean islands. The Genoese contributed ships and men to the defense of Ottoman Empire had expanded into Europe by the city. Sultan Mehmet assembled a huge army1450s, of 60,000 men that possessed massive cannons. Despite the weakness of the city and it was still regarded as the best-defended city in Europea powerful military state. The Ottomans had besieged Constantinople in the city for fifty-three days and blockaded Constantinople by land and seapast but had failed to overcome its apparently invincible ramparts. The defenders fought valiantly against the Turks <ref> Philippides, Marios and threw back several assaultsWalter K. The Ottomans used their heavy cannons to breach the walls and they swarmed into ConstantinopleHanak, [https://www. There followed a great massacre and the death of the Emperor in battleamazon. com/gp/product/B071RR7SPD/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B071RR7SPD&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=efeec868927c19355c051e66a76a7116 The Italians who fought the Byzantines survived Siege and the siege managed to bring many citizens Fall of Constantinople with them to Italyin 1453] (Ashgate, Farnham and Burlington 2011), p.56</ref>

====Greek scholars Sultan Mehmet I was determined to take the city, a Christian enclave in his Empire, and he feared that it could be used to attack his realm. Then Mehmet wanted the Italian Renaissance====The fall prestige of capturing the famed city of Constantinople and . By the 1450s, the remaining Byzantine territories led to city was only a flood shadow of refugees traveling to Europe and especially Western Europeits former glories. Many settled in Italy The Black Plague had decimated the population, and in particular, many scholars found refuge in Italythe city was largely uninhabited. These refugees included grammarians, humanists, poets, writers, printers, lecturers, musicians, astronomers, architects scribes, philosophers, scientists, politiciansIt was reckoned that there were only 50-60, and theologians. They brought with them manuscripts from 000 citizens within the destroyed libraries of Constantinople and other Byzantine citiesfamous Theodosian Walls.<ref> Deno JPhillpides et al. Geanakoplos, Byzantine East and Latin West: Two worlds of Christendom in Middle Ages and Renaissance (Harper & Row Publishers, New York, 1966), p. 11789</ref> Prior to 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, 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.

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 the Turks hopelessly outnumbered him. He had scarcely any men with which to defend the walls of the city. The Emperor was dependent on 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. After the 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 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 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 of Christendom in Middle Ages and Renaissance] (Harper & Row Publishers, New York, 1966), p. 117</ref>  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. 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 the geopolitical situation in the Mediterranean. Many feared that Italy was the next target of the Ottomans whose army was feared to be invincible. The end of the Byzantine Empire meant that the Turks could concentrate upon 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 the city of Otranto, part of the Kingdom of Naples.

Forces The Fall of Constantinople shocked Europe, and when the Ottoman Empire occupied news that the city and slaughtered some 800 locals who refused to convert to Islam.<ref> Howard, Douglas A. A History capital of the Ottoman Empire. Cambridge: Cambridge University PressNew Rome had fallen, 2017)there was consternation, p, 113</ref> Many feared that Southern Italy and even Rome would fallpanic. HoweverAfter 1453 there was widespread fear, the city and many Christian kingdoms feared an Ottoman invasion was later recaptured by a coalition of Christian forceslikely. The invasion Fall of Otranto showed Constantinople changed the weakness of geopolitical situation in the Italian city-states and especially Mediterranean. Many feared that Italy was the kingdom of Naples. The fear next target of the Ottomans persuaded many Italians in the 16th century to accept the rule of either French or Spanish monarchs, whose army was seen as they could better protect Italy from the seemingly invincible Muslim . The Byzantine Empire. However, 's end meant that the Ottomans focused could concentrate on expanding to the capture of Vienna west and east. Successive Popes called for a crusade to reclaim Constantinople and their battle with defend the Safavid Empire and this possibly spared Italy Italian city-states from a further invasionTurkish 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= The Fall of Constantinople: Venice and Genoa9325&creativeASIN=0521727308&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=The Fall of Constantinople had a profound impact on two 9bddcab4f5f4d4d03525ca01580f5cbe A History of the most prominent Italian city-statesOttoman Empire]. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017) p, Venice 113</ref> Many feared that Southern Italy and Genoaeven Rome would fall. However, both the city was later recaptured by a coalition of whom were great trading and maritime powersChristian forces. The Fall invasion of Constantinople led to Otranto showed the collapse weakness of Genoese influence in the Eastern Mediterranean Italian city-states and especially the loss kingdom of the city’s key allyNaples. The loss of the Constantinople trade led to a decline Ottomans' fear persuaded many Italians 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, it voluntarily submitted to accept the rule of either French or Spanish monarchymonarchs, in order to revive its economy and end the endemic violence in the city. Venice had arguably played a critical role in the decline of Byzantium when it diverted the Fourth Crusade to attack as they could better protect Italy from the seemingly invincible Muslim Empire. It benefitted enormously from However, the Ottomans focused on Vienna's capture of Byzantium by and their battle with the Fourth Crusade and allowed it to develop a maritime Safavid Empire out of former Byzantine possessions. <ref>Pullan, Brian S. History of Early Renaissance which spared Italy (London: Lane, 1973), pfrom a further invasion. 117</ref>

Venice after == Why 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 Balkans. 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 of the factors that led to a series of wars such as the Cambri War (1508-1516). The Fall of Constantinople was a decisive turning point for both Genoa and Venice, although it was not the sole reason for their long decline.<ref>Pullan, p. 20</ref> ? ==

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 Fourth Crusade and allowed it to develop a maritime Empire out of former Byzantine possessions. <ref>Pullan, Brian S., History of Early Renaissance Italy (London: Lane, 1973), p. 117</ref>  Venice, after the Fall of Constantinople, was obliged to defend its possession, such as Crete and Thessalonica, when the Turks disrupted its trade. The city-state was to become entangled in a bitter struggle with the Ottomans in the Eastern Mediterranean and Balkans. The Venetians opposed the Turks from Cyprus to Albania and managed to inflict several defeats on 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 Italy's perspective, the Venetians became very preoccupied with the defense of their possessions in the Balkans and the Aegean Sea. As Venice lost territories, it sought to expand into Northern Italy and especially the Po Valley. This factor led to a series of wars, such as the Cambri War (1508-1516). The Fall of Constantinople was a decisive turning point for both Genoa and Venice, although it was not the sole reason for their long decline.<ref>Pullan, p. 20</ref> ====Conclusion==How did the Fall of Constantinople change Italy? ==[[File: Constantinople Four.jpg|200px250px|thumbthumbnail|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.