Mystras is located 5 km. NW of Sparta in the prefecture of Laconia. In 1204 the Western participants of the Fourth Crusade captured Constantinople; the seat of the Byzantine Empire; and founded the Latin Empire of Romania. In 1248 William II de Villehardouin; captured of the Fortress of Monembasia; and conquered Laconia. In 1249 he built a castle on the summit of Myzethra hill; a very steep foothill situated on the northern slopes of Mt. Taygetos. Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus in 1259; at the battle of Palegonia; captured William II de Villehardouin and held him prisoner for three years. The Byzantines had recaptured Constantinople from the Franks. Mystras role became significant within the Byzantine Empire. In the next two centuries Mystras became known as 鈥榯he Florence of the East' and was very respected by both the countries to the West and the Byzantine Empire. In 1448 Constantine XI Paleologus; the last Emperor of the Byzantine Empire; was crowned at Mystras. In 1460 the city was captured by the Turks and in 1464 by Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini captured the city but not the castle. From 1687-1715 the city was held by the Venetians. In 1715 it was recaptured by the Turks.