In the next lesson, you will submit your portfolio assessment. There are four components to the Byzantine Empire Decline Portfolio: Applying Technology, Managing Goals and Time, Communicating Clearly, and Creating Media Products. Review the completed activities that you are submitting to your teacher, and consider the following: Is there one specific cause of the Byzantine Empire’s decline, or were there multiple reasons? Could the Byzantine Empire have done something different to last longer than it did? What could have saved it? The Western Roman Empire fell in 475 CE, but the Byzantine Empire lasted until 1453. Do you consider the fall of the Byzantine Empire the true fall of the Roman Empire, or do you feel it was a separate event? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The decline of the Byzantine Empire can be attributed to multiple intertwined factors rather than a single cause. Key reasons include military overextension, economic instability, internal strife, and the rise of external threats such as the Ottoman Turks. Additionally, the empire faced issues related to governance, including corruption and administrative inefficiencies, which weakened its ability to respond to crises effectively.

There were several actions the Byzantine Empire could have taken to potentially prolong its existence. Strengthening military alliances, investing in fortifications, or reforming tax systems to bolster the economy could have provided the empire with more stability. Enhanced diplomatic efforts with neighboring powers might have also mitigated some of the external pressures. Furthermore, fostering unity within the empire and addressing internal divisions, such as religious conflicts, could have led to a more cohesive society capable of facing challenges more effectively.

Regarding the question of whether the fall of the Byzantine Empire signifies the true end of the Roman Empire, it largely depends on how one interprets the legacy of Rome. The Western Roman Empire's fall in 475 CE marked a significant shift in political and territorial realities in Europe, leading to the rise of various kingdoms. However, the Byzantine Empire continued the Roman traditions, governance, and culture for nearly a millennium. Thus, its fall in 1453 could be seen as the end of the Roman Empire in its entirety, as it represented the final collapse of an entity that had once encompassed vast territories and maintained the legacy of Roman civilization.

In conclusion, while the fall of the Byzantine Empire can be viewed as a continuation of the decline of Roman power, it represents both a culmination of historical processes and a separate event in its distinct context. The loss of Constantinople marked the end of the medieval Christian Byzantine Empire and the beginning of a new era, making it a pivotal moment in history as the Roman influence transitioned into the control of the Ottoman Empire.