Final answer:
The Byzantine Empire was conquered by the Ottomans in 1453, led by Mehmed II, marking the end of the empire and influencing the Renaissance in Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Byzantine Empire finally fell in 1453 to the Ottomans, a Turkic group that had risen to prominence in the region. After centuries of preserving Roman culture and experiencing periods of great power under the Macedonian dynasty, the Byzantine Empire found its territory reducing due to various challenges. As the late Byzantine period signified decline, external forces such as the Seljuks and the Ottomans continued to exert pressure. The ultimate fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the forces of Mehmed II marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, an event that propelled many Greek scholars to flee to Italy, subsequently influencing the Renaissance in Western Europe.