Primary or secondary source that I can use to back this thesis statement up: The internal conflicts and instability within the Byzantine Empire, manifested through successions disputes, political infighting, and power struggles among the ruling elite, not only weakened the empire's central authority, but also hindered effective governance, undermined the empire's ability to de
A secondary source that could be used to support the thesis statement is the book "Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire" by Judith Herrin. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the political history and internal conflicts within the Byzantine Empire. It discusses the succession disputes, political infighting, and power struggles among the ruling elite that weakened the central authority and hindered effective governance.
A primary source that can be used to support this thesis statement is "The Alexiad" by Anna Komnene.
"The Alexiad" is a historical account written by Anna Komnene, the daughter of Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Komnenos. In this work, Anna describes the internal conflicts and power struggles within the Byzantine Empire during the late 11th and early 12th centuries. She details the succession disputes, political infighting, and struggles for power among the ruling elite, providing firsthand insight into the challenges faced by the empire's central authority.
Using "The Alexiad" as a primary source would offer direct evidence to support the thesis statement. You can cite specific examples from Anna Komnene's account to show how these internal conflicts weakened the empire's central authority, hindered effective governance, and undermined its ability to defend against external threats.
To find a primary or secondary source that supports your thesis statement about the Byzantine Empire, it is essential to consult scholarly research databases, library catalogs, or digital archives. Here's an explanation of how you can go about finding an appropriate source:
1. Determine the type of source you need: A primary source refers to contemporary records or accounts from the specific time period you are studying, while a secondary source analyzes and interprets primary sources. In your case, you might start by searching for secondary sources like scholarly articles, books, or book chapters that discuss the internal conflicts and instability in the Byzantine Empire.
2. Utilize academic databases: Access reputable academic databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or Academic Search Complete. These platforms provide access to scholarly journals, articles, and books from various disciplines.
3. Conduct targeted keyword searches: Use relevant keywords related to your thesis statement, such as "Byzantine Empire internal conflicts," "succession disputes in Byzantine Empire," "political infighting Byzantine Empire," or "ruling elite power struggles Byzantine Empire." Combine these keywords with phrases like "scholarly article" or "historical analysis" to refine your search.
4. Assess the sources: Once you have a list of potential sources, evaluate their credibility and relevance. Look for articles published by reputable historians, scholars, or experts in Byzantine history. Pay attention to the publication date to ensure you are accessing the most current research.
5. Check footnotes and bibliographies: If you come across a secondary source that supports your thesis, check its footnotes or bibliography. They often include references to primary sources used by the author. These references can guide you towards primary sources that you can use to complement your argument.
Remember, it may take some time and effort to find the most suitable source to support your thesis. It's important to critically analyze the sources you come across to ensure they align with academic standards and contribute to the credibility of your research.