Which evidence best supports the historical claim that the East-West Schism did not begin in 1054 CE, but that the mutual excommunication was part of an already growing division?(1 point)

Question

Which evidence best supports the historical claim that the East-West Schism did not begin in 1054 CE, but that the mutual excommunication was part of an already growing division?(1 point)

Responses

The Byzantine Empire rose as a major economic and political power in the western Mediterranean region while Western Europe became more isolated.
The Byzantine Empire rose as a major economic and political power in the western Mediterranean region while Western Europe became more isolated.

The decreasing power of the pope following the end of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE conflicted with the rise of Byzantine power in the East.
The decreasing power of the pope following the end of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE conflicted with the rise of Byzantine power in the East.

Crusaders from Western Europe looted and sacked the city of Constantinople in 1204 CE.
Crusaders from Western Europe looted and sacked the city of Constantinople in 1204 CE.

The Roman Catholic Church affirmed the idea of papal supremacy at the First Vatican Council in 1870 CE.

Answer 1

The East-West Schism did not begin in 1054 CE, but that the mutual excommunication was part of an already growing division is best supported by the evidence of the decreasing power of the pope following the end of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE conflicting with the rise of Byzantine power in the East.