History of Europe

Did Europe attack the Byzantine Empire?

The European powers did attack the Byzantine Empire on multiple occasions. One notable event was the Fourth Crusade, which took place in 1204. Originally intended to reclaim Jerusalem from Muslim control, the crusade was diverted by the Venetian Doge Enrico Dandolo to attack Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. The city was sacked and pillaged by the crusaders, leading to the establishment of the Latin Empire of Constantinople and the fragmentation of the Byzantine Empire.