
11. Byzantium - Last of the Romans
Fall of Civilizations Podcast
The Impact of the Fall of Byzantium on European Trade and Exploration
The fall of Byzantium disrupted the long-established trade route between Europe and Asia along the Silk Road, leading European traders to find new routes to access the markets of India and China. The development of sailing technology, particularly ships like the caravel, became increasingly important in exploring new trade routes. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 prompted the Portuguese explorer Bartholomew Diaz to sail around the southernmost cape of Africa, opening up the sea route to India in 1488. Shortly after, in 1492, Christopher Columbus, inspired by ancient texts from Byzantine libraries, landed in the Bahamas and commenced the exploration of the New World. Despite Byzantium's fall and the change in rulers and religion, it continued to welcome people seeking refuge behind its walls.