Fourth Crusaders Sack Constantinople

The Fourth Crusade, initially intended to reclaim Jerusalem, diverted its focus towards Constantinople, leading to a pivotal event in medieval history. The Crusaders, motivated by a mix of political and financial incentives, laid siege to the city, which was a significant center of the Byzantine Empire. The siege culminated in the breaching of the city's defenses, resulting in widespread looting and destruction. The Crusaders deposed the reigning basileus, Alexios V Doukas, and established the Latin Empire, with Baldwin I as its first Latin Emperor. This shift marked a significant transformation in the power dynamics of the region, as the Byzantine Empire faced a severe decline in influence and territorial control.