What circumstances and events led to the conquest of the Byzantine empire by the Ottomans?

The conquest of the Byzantine Empire by the Ottomans culminated in 1453, primarily due to a combination of internal strife, economic decline, and military weakness within Byzantium. The Ottomans, under Sultan Mehmed II, capitalized on this vulnerability, employing advanced siege techniques and artillery, notably the massive cannons that breached the formidable walls of Constantinople. Additionally, the fall of key Byzantine territories prior to 1453 had weakened its defenses and diminished its resources. The empire’s isolation and lack of support from Western Europe further facilitated the Ottoman advance.