As you continue with your portfolio assignment, record facts that you learn about
each cause for the decline of the Byzantine Empire. To start, write down two facts
that you learned.
Question 1
Using research from this learning object and EBSCO, what are the causes of the
decline of the Byzantine Empire according to historians? Why? What do you theorize
as the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire?
The Battle of Manzikert
1.
2.
Why do some historians feel this is the most important cause?
The Fourth Crusade
1.
2.
1. The Battle of Manzikert was fought in 1071 between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks. It resulted in a decisive victory for the Seljuks and led to the loss of a significant portion of Byzantine territory in Anatolia.
2. The Fourth Crusade, which took place from 1202 to 1204, was intended to recapture Jerusalem from Muslim control. However, it deviated from its original objective and instead resulted in the capture and sack of Constantinople by the Crusaders, leading to the weakening and eventual fall of the Byzantine Empire.
Some historians believe that the Battle of Manzikert was the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire. This is because the loss at Manzikert led to the gradual encroachment and conquest of Byzantine territory by the Seljuks, weakening the empire both politically and economically.
On the other hand, the Fourth Crusade is also considered a significant cause of decline. The capture and sack of Constantinople greatly weakened the Byzantine Empire, as it resulted in the fragmentation and division of Byzantine territories and political instability.
It is difficult to ascertain the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire as both the Battle of Manzikert and the Fourth Crusade had significant and lasting impacts. The two events are interconnected, as the loss at Manzikert weakened the Byzantine Empire, making it more vulnerable to the Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade. Overall, it can be theorized that a combination of external invasions, such as the Seljuk Turks and the Crusaders, along with internal political and economic weaknesses, contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire.