The fall of the Byzantine Empire is historically marked by the capture of Constantinople in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks led by Sultan Mehmed II. The siege lasted for about two months, and despite the valiant defense by the Byzantines, they were overwhelmingly outnumbered. This event not only symbolized the end of over a thousand years of Byzantine history but also marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Europe and Asia. The fall of Constantinople is often viewed as a catalyst for the Renaissance in Western Europe, as scholars fled the city, carrying important manuscripts and knowledge with them, deeply influencing European culture.