Several factors contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Three significant ones include:
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Military Defeats: The empire faced numerous military setbacks, particularly against the Seljuk Turks and later the Ottoman Turks. Key losses, such as the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, weakened Byzantine control over its territories and diminished its military power.
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Economic Decline: The economy of the Byzantine Empire suffered due to overreliance on trade routes, competition from rising Italian city-states, and the impact of the Crusades, which disrupted trade and led to plunder of Byzantine wealth. Economic instability reduced the empire's ability to fund its military and administration.
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Internal Strife and Political Instability: The Byzantine Empire was characterized by internal power struggles, coups, and civil wars. This political instability weakened governance and diverted attention and resources away from external threats, further compromising the empire's ability to defend itself against invading forces.
These factors, among others, played a crucial role in the gradual decline and eventual fall of the Byzantine Empire.
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