Finally, after reading all about the history of the Byzantine Empire, it's time to wrap it up. The fall of Constantinople occurred on May 29, 1453. This day marked the end of Byzantine control of Constantinople for good. The battle was fought between Sultan Mehmet II and the Ottoman Empire and Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos and the Byzantine Empire. The Ottomans ambition to capture Constantinople was strong. The Ottomans laid siege onto the great city. After 53 long days the Ottomans successfully breached the walls on Constantinople. Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos was killed in battle and at the very moment all hope was lost. The Ottomans did it, they have captured Constantinople. The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine/Eastern Roman Empire. All dominance, power, and influence shifted over to the Ottomans. The Ottomans now ruled the Mediterranean and eastern Europe and Islam was being spread all over the newly gained territory. The millennium long reign of the Byzantine Empire has finally come to an end. 

The Image to the left is a portrait of Sultan Mehmet II.