Important Events

Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, was born on February 8, 1405, into a dynasty struggling to maintain control over a crumbling empire. By the time of his birth, the Byzantine Empire had been reduced to little more than the city of Constantinople, a few surrounding areas, and some Greek islands. Constantine, known for his martial skills and adventurous spirit, spent much of his life defending what remained of Byzantine territory. A Millennium of Glory: The Rise and Fall of the Byzantine Empire The Ottoman Empire: 600 Years of Domination As emperor, Constantine faced the relentless advance of the Ottoman Empire. The Turks, led by Sultan Mehmed II, were determined to capture Constantinople. Despite Constantine's efforts to secure Western