Imagine a world where the Fourth Crusade had not sacked Constantinople in 1204. Instead of diverting to the Byzantine capital, the crusaders continued their journey to the Holy Land as originally planned. Without the devastating blow to the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople remained a strong Christian bulwark in the East.

Byzantium's stability could have significantly altered the power dynamics in the region. With a fortified Eastern Roman Empire, the spread of Ottoman influence might have been delayed or even thwarted. This stronger Byzantine presence could have provided a more stable defense against the advancing Turks, possibly preserving more Christian territories in the Mediterranean and the Balkans.

Furthermore, the cultural and economic impacts of an unsacked Constantinople are fascinating to consider. The city, known for its wealth and scholarly achievements, might have continued to flourish as a center of trade and knowledge. The Renaissance, which was fueled in part by the influx of Greek scholars and texts to the West after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, might have had a different timeline or character, potentially leading to earlier advancements in science, art, and literature.

The ripple effects of this alternate history are endless. How might the religious, cultural, and political landscapes of Europe and the Near East have evolved with a resilient Byzantine Empire at the helm?