The term "Byzantine Successor States" refers to the various political entities that emerged after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453. These states were primarily located in southeastern Europe and the eastern Mediterranean, including regions that are now part of Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans. They often sought to preserve aspects of Byzantine culture and governance while adapting to new political realities. Notable successor states included the Despotate of Epirus, the Empire of Trebizond, and the Principality of Achaea. These entities played significant roles in the region's history, influencing trade, culture, and politics during the late medieval and early modern periods. Their legacies continue to shape the identities of modern nations in the area.