Fall of Trebizond: What Happened
In August 1461, the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II captured Trebizond, modern Trabzon on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, the capital of the last surviving Byzantine successor state. The Empire of Trebizond had been founded in 1204 and had survived for more than two and a half centuries through trade and clever diplomacy. Its last emperor, David Komnenos, tried to build an alliance against the Ottomans with Western powers and with Uzun Hasan, ruler of the Aq Qoyunlu, a powerful Turkmen confederation in eastern Anatolia and a relative by marriage. Mehmed responded with a major campaign by land and sea. He first defeated or neutralized David's allies, then besieged Trebizond. Isolated and without hope of help, David surrendered the city after about a month, in exchange for guarantees for himself and his family. He was taken to the Ottoman court, but in 1463 he and most of his family were executed, accused of plotting with the enemy. The fall of Trebizond, eight years after Constantinople, marked the definitive end of the Byzantine world.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Trebizond fall?
Trebizond fell to the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II in August 1461, eight years after the fall of Constantinople.
Who was the last emperor of Trebizond?
The last emperor was David Komnenos, who surrendered the city after about a month of siege in exchange for guarantees for his family.
Why did Mehmed II attack Trebizond?
David Komnenos had tried to build an alliance against the Ottomans with Western powers and with Uzun Hasan, ruler of the Aq Qoyunlu in eastern Anatolia.
What happened to David Komnenos?
David was taken to the Ottoman court, but in 1463 he and most of his family were executed, accused of plotting with the enemy.
Why was the fall of Trebizond important?
Trebizond was the last surviving Byzantine successor state. Its fall marked the definitive end of the Byzantine world.
