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?
1.
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According to historians, there are several causes identified for the decline of the Byzantine Empire. One major cause is the external pressures and invasions faced by the empire. The Byzantine Empire had to constantly defend its borders against various invading forces, such as the Seljuk Turks, the Bulgars, and the Ottoman Turks. These invasions put a strain on the empire's resources and military strength, leading to territorial losses and weakened defenses.
Another cause of decline was the internal conflicts and instability within the Byzantine Empire. Successions disputes, political infighting, and power struggles among the ruling elite often weakened the empire's central authority and hindered effective governance. This internal instability further undermined the empire's ability to defend itself and effectively govern its territories.
Additionally, the Byzantine Empire faced economic challenges. The empire relied heavily on trade, especially with the Italian city-states, for its prosperity. However, the disruption of trade routes due to conflicts, the Crusades, and the rise of Ottoman power limited Byzantine trade and its access to resources and wealth.
A major cause that contributed to the decline of the Byzantine Empire is the Fourth Crusade in 1204. The Crusaders, instead of supporting the Byzantines against their enemies, sacked Constantinople and established a Latin Empire, dividing the Byzantine territories and weakening its power significantly. This event had a long-lasting impact on the empire's ability to recover and regain its former strength.
While all these causes played a role in the decline of the Byzantine Empire, the most important cause can be theorized to be the external pressures and invasions faced by the empire. These continuous attacks and the constant need to defend the empire's borders placed immense strain on its resources and military capabilities. This, in turn, weakened the empire's ability to maintain its territorial integrity and effectively govern its territories.
Why do some historians feel this is the most important cause?
Some historians argue that the external pressures and invasions faced by the Byzantine Empire were the most important cause of its decline because they were a constant and ongoing challenge that significantly impacted the empire's resources, territorial integrity, and ability to govern effectively.
The Byzantine Empire faced numerous formidable enemies on its borders, such as the Seljuk Turks, the Bulgars, and eventually the Ottoman Turks. These invasions were not isolated incidents but rather consistent and relentless threats. The empire had to divert a significant portion of its resources towards defense, including maintaining a large military force and constructing fortifications along its borders. This required considerable financial and human resources that could have been used for other purposes, such as economic development or internal stability.
Moreover, the continuous external pressures prevented the Byzantine Empire from focusing on internal affairs and reforms. The constant need for defense and territory reclamation prevented the empire from engaging in long-term planning and governance. The defensive wars also resulted in territorial losses, including the crucial Anatolian region, which deprived the empire of valuable resources and economic opportunities.
Furthermore, the external pressures often disrupted trade routes and limited the empire's access to wealth and resources. The Byzantine Empire heavily relied on trade, especially with the Italian city-states, for its prosperity. The invasions and conflicts disrupted these trade routes, cutting off crucial sources of income and weakening the empire's economic foundations.
Considering the long-lasting and continuous impact of external pressures and invasions on the Byzantine Empire's resources, territorial integrity, and ability to effectively govern, some historians argue that this was the most important cause of its decline. Without the constant external threats, the empire might have been better equipped to address internal conflicts, pursue reforms, and maintain its economic strength.
To answer your question, let's break it down into steps:
Step 1: Research the decline of the Byzantine Empire using the learning object and EBSCO.
Start by accessing the learning object provided to gather information about the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Take note of the key insights or causes mentioned in the learning object.
Next, go to EBSCO, a database that provides access to academic resources, and search for articles or books about the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Look for sources written by historians or experts in Byzantine history.
Step 2: Identify the causes of the decline of the Byzantine Empire according to historians.
While conducting your research, pay attention to the views and theories of historians regarding the causes of the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Take note of the different factors mentioned, such as external invasions, internal conflict, economic issues, or changes in political or religious dynamics.
Step 3: Evaluate the reasons given by historians for the decline of the Byzantine Empire.
Compare the different causes identified by historians and evaluate their arguments. Consider the evidence and reasoning provided by each historian to support their claims.
Step 4: Formulate your own theory about the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire.
Based on your research and evaluation of the historians' perspectives, formulate your own theory about the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Consider the factors that seem to have had the greatest impact and provide reasoning to support your theory.
Remember to properly cite any sources used in your research and include a bibliography of all the references consulted.
To research the causes of the decline of the Byzantine Empire, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by conducting a literature search on the topic. You can use resources such as the learning object you mentioned and EBSCO, an extensive online database that provides access to academic journals, books, and other scholarly sources. Access EBSCO by visiting their website or through your institution's library portal.
2. Use relevant keywords in your search such as "Byzantine Empire decline" or "causes of Byzantine Empire decline" to narrow down your results.
3. Browse through the search results and identify scholarly articles or books that discuss the decline of the Byzantine Empire and its causes. Look for sources written by historians or experts in Byzantine history for reliable information.
4. Read the selected sources carefully, taking note of the various causes mentioned by historians. Some common causes suggested by historians include internal weaknesses, external invasions, economic troubles, political instability, and religious conflicts. Different historians may emphasize different causes based on their interpretations of the historical evidence.
5. Analyze the evidence presented by the historians and their arguments supporting the causes they propose. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources to determine the strength of their arguments.
6. Consider different perspectives and theories presented by the historians. Think critically about the causes mentioned and their potential impact on the decline of the Byzantine Empire.
7. Finally, based on your research and analysis, form your own theory about the most important cause of the decline of the Byzantine Empire. Support your theory with evidence from the sources you have consulted.
Remember, historiography is a complex field, and different historians may have different explanations for the decline of the Byzantine Empire. It is important to review a variety of sources and critically evaluate their arguments to arrive at a well-informed conclusion.