The fall of Constantinople occurred in 1453. This pivotal event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and had profound implications for the Christian world. The city, known for its strategic location and cultural significance, fell to the Ottoman Empire led by Sultan Mehmed II after a lengthy siege. The capture of Constantinople facilitated the expansion of Ottoman influence into Europe, transformed the geopolitical landscape, and prompted waves of migration as scholars and artists fled westward, preserving classical knowledge. It also shifted trade routes, influencing the Age of Exploration shortly thereafter.