Between 700 and 1400, the Byzantine Empire experienced a complex series of events characterized primarily by steady decline, though there were periods of recovery and re-conquest, especially during the 9th and 10th centuries.
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7th to 8th Century: The early part of this period was marked by significant territorial losses due to the rise of Islam. The empire lost parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and some of its territories in Asia Minor.
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9th to 10th Century: There was a resurgence during the Macedonian dynasty, particularly under emperors like Basil I and his successors, who managed to reconquer territories and stabilize the empire. This period saw economic growth, military successes, and cultural flourishing.
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11th Century: The empire faced internal strife, military defeats, and vulnerabilities exposed by the rise of the Seljuk Turks. The Battle of Manzikert in 1071 was a significant defeat that marked the beginning of a severe decline in the Empire's power.
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12th Century: The Comnenian dynasty attempted to restore the empire's fortunes and achieved some military successes, but internal divisions and external pressures continued to weaken the state.
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13th Century: The Fourth Crusade in 1204 led to the sack of Constantinople and the establishment of the Latin Empire, further diminishing Byzantine power. The empire was fragmented into smaller states, most notably the Empire of Nicaea, which eventually became central to the restoration of the Byzantine Empire.
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14th Century: The Palaiologos dynasty, which reestablished the Byzantine Empire in 1261, faced increasing pressure from rising powers, including the Ottomans. By the end of the 14th century, the Byzantine Empire was significantly weakened, confined mainly to the city of Constantinople and a few territories.
In summary, the state of the Byzantine Empire between 700 and 1400 can best be described as a steady decline overall, punctuated by moments of recovery and temporary stability, but ultimately leading to its weakening and eventual fall to the Ottomans in 1453.