A. attacks from European Crusaders, Arabs, and Turks
The Byzantine Empire faced numerous external pressures throughout its history, but one of the most significant factors leading to its fall was the series of attacks from various groups, including the Crusaders (notably the Fourth Crusade), Arabs, and eventually the Turks, particularly the Ottoman Turks. These military pressures, combined with internal strife and economic difficulties, greatly weakened the empire and contributed to its eventual downfall in 1453.