why did christians target constantinople during the fourth crusade in 1204 and what was the long term result for the byzantine empire?

Answer 1

Christians targeted Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204 because they were promised significant financial rewards by the rulers of Venice who had organized the crusade. However, the crusaders were unable to pay for the cost of transportation to Palestine and instead diverted their attention towards Constantinople as an easier target. Additionally, the Byzantine Empire was at that time weakened due to internal conflict and external threats thus making it easier for the crusaders to conquer Constantinople.

As a result of the fourth crusade, the Byzantine Empire was weakened significantly. Constantinople was pillaged and looted by the crusaders, and the city never fully recovered from the damage caused. The Byzantine Empire lost vast territories and was eventually reduced to just a small area around Constantinople. This made the Byzantine Empire more vulnerable to attacks from its enemies.

The long term result for the Byzantine Empire was that it weakened the Empire and ultimately led to its downfall in 1453 when the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople. The fourth crusade marked a significant turning point in the history of the Byzantine Empire and had devastating consequences for its future.