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May 29, 1453 — end of the Eastern Roman Empire
On May 29, 1453, the forces of Mehmed II captured Constantinople, ending the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire that had lasted 1,123 years. This event is considered the end of the Middle Ages.
History
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Scholars fled to Europe — triggering the Renaissance
After the fall of Constantinople, thousands of Greek scholars fled to Italy, bringing manuscripts of ancient authors. This became one of the main impulses of the Renaissance: Europe rediscovered Plato, Aristotle and mathematics.
History
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Birth of the Ottoman Empire
The capture of Constantinople turned the Ottoman state into an empire claiming the legacy of Rome. Mehmed II took the title 'Kayser-i Rum' (Caesar of Rome). The Ottoman Empire would last another 469 years — until 1922.
History