The Empire of Trebizond was a Byzantine Greek state that existed from 1204 to 1461. It was established after the Fourth Crusade, which led to the fragmentation of the Byzantine Empire. The capital, Trebizond, located on the Black Sea coast, became a center of trade and culture, blending Greek, Persian, and Turkish influences. The empire was known for its strategic location along trade routes and its rich cultural heritage. It maintained a degree of independence despite pressures from neighboring powers, including the Ottoman Empire. The Empire of Trebizond ultimately fell to the Ottomans in 1461, marking the end of Byzantine rule in the region.