The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire that had lasted for over 1,000 years. After a 53-day siege, the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II captured the city, making it the new capital of the Ottoman Empire. The fall was a major turning point for Europe and the Middle East; it closed the traditional Silk Road trade routes to the East, forcing European powers to look for new sea routes to India and China, which ultimately led to the Age of Discovery. Additionally, many Greek scholars fled to Italy, bringing with them ancient texts and knowledge that helped fuel the Renaissance. The capture of the city also signaled the rising power of gunpowder and artillery in warfare, as the Ottomans used massive cannons to breach the legendary Theodosian Walls that had protected the city for centuries.