The Latin Empire was a short-lived state established in 1204 after the Fourth Crusade, which resulted in the capture of Constantinople. It aimed to control the remnants of the Byzantine Empire and was ruled by a Latin emperor, starting with Baldwin I. The empire struggled with internal conflicts and external threats from neighboring states. Despite its initial success, the Latin Empire faced challenges, including resistance from the local Greek population and rival powers. By 1261, it effectively ended when the Byzantine Empire was restored under Michael VIII Palaiologos, marking the return of Greek rule to Constantinople.