Final answer:
The mass exodus of artists, scholars, and scientists from the Byzantine Empire to Italy in the mid thirteenth century was primarily caused by the Ottoman Turks' capture of Constantinople, leading to the end of the Byzantine Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mass migration of artists, scholars, and scientists from the Byzantine Empire to Italy in the mid thirteenth century was caused mainly by D. The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. This event, also known as the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, directly led to the end of the Byzantine Empire.
The Ottoman Turks' conquest created an unsafe environment for these individuals, prompting them to seek safety and new opportunities elsewhere. Italy, particularly cities like Florence and Venice, offered such an environment, playing a crucial role in the initiation of the Renaissance.
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