Thesis Statement: I believe that the decline of the Byzantine Empire was primarily due to a combination of internal strife, external threats, and economic instability.
I think this because internal divisions, such as political infighting and religious discord, weakened the central authority of the empire, making it difficult to respond effectively to external threats like the rise of the Ottoman Turks. Additionally, the empire faced continuous pressure from the Crusades and the expansion of neighboring powers, which further strained its military resources. Economically, the empire struggled with trade losses and monetary issues, leading to a decline in its ability to maintain a strong military and administration. Together, these factors created a perfect storm that contributed to the gradual collapse of one of history's most enduring empires.