The last Roman Empire, often referred to as the Byzantine Empire, fell in 1453 when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. This marked the end of a medieval era in Europe and the transition to the Renaissance, as it opened new avenues for trade and cultural exchange between East and West. The fall also symbolized the decline of Christian Byzantine influence in Eastern Europe, leading to the emergence of various nation-states and shaping the geopolitical landscape for centuries. This pivotal moment highlighted the shift in power dynamics and paved the way for the Ottoman Empire's expansion.