Decline of the Byzantine Empire Portfolio Worksheet
Decline of the Byzantine Empire: Applying Technology
Question 1: Causes of the Decline of the Byzantine Empire
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Military Defeats: One significant cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire was the loss at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. This battle resulted in the Seljuk Turks gaining control over much of Anatolia, which was a crucial territory for the Byzantine Empire, both economically and militarily.
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Internal Strife and Political Instability: The Byzantine Empire faced considerable internal problems, including political intrigue, civil wars, and a fragmented nobility, which weakened the central authority and made it more difficult to respond effectively to external threats.
Theorizing the Most Important Cause: While there were several factors contributing to the decline of the Byzantine Empire, I theorize that the military defeats, particularly at the Battle of Manzikert, were the most significant. This loss not only resulted in the immediate loss of territory but also instigated a series of events that led to further military losses, economic decline, and ultimately, the weakening of the empire’s political structure. The inability to maintain control over its provinces profoundly affected the empire's survival and expansion capabilities.
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