1.Territorial Expansion:
- The Ottoman Turks gradually expanded their territory into the Balkans and Anatolia, encroaching upon Byzantine territories.
- The 14th century marked the rapid expansion of the Ottomans, particularly under the rule of Osman I and his son, Orhan I.
2. Weakening of Byzantine Defenses:
- The Byzantine Empire had been weakened by centuries of internal conflicts, economic decline, and successive defeats in wars with other powers.
- As a result, Byzantine defenses became vulnerable, making them susceptible to Ottoman attacks.
3. Battle of Ankara (1402):
- A crucial turning point came with the Battle of Ankara in 1402.
- The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I was defeated by the Timurid Empire, which caused a temporary setback to Ottoman expansion but also further weakened Byzantium.
4. Blockade of Constantinople:
- In 1453, the Ottomans, led by Sultan Mehmed II, launched a massive assault on Constantinople.
- The Ottomans blockaded the city, cutting off supplies, and utilized advanced cannons to breach its defenses.
5. Siege of Constantinople:
- The siege lasted several weeks, with the Byzantines putting up a valiant defense.
- However, the Ottoman forces eventually breached the city walls and conquered Constantinople on May 29, 1453.
6. Death of Constantine XI:
- The last Byzantine Emperor, Constantine XI Palaiologos, died during the final siege, further symbolizing the end of the Byzantine Empire.
7. Fall of the Empire:
- With the conquest of Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire came to an end after surviving for over 1100 years.
- The Ottoman Empire absorbed the remaining Byzantine territories, transforming the region into an Islamic center of power.
In summary, the Ottoman Empire's territorial expansion, combined with the internal weaknesses and military defeats of the Byzantine Empire, led to the decline and ultimate collapse of Byzantium in the 15th century. The fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans marked a significant turning point in history, changing the political and religious landscape of the region.