9. What were the primary causes of the decline of the Byzantine Empire? Explain (2 points)
There were several primary causes that led to the decline of the Byzantine Empire.
1) Military pressure from external forces: One of the main causes was the constant military pressure from external forces, particularly from the Islamic Ottoman Empire. The Byzantines faced numerous invasions and sieges, weakening their military strength and exhausting their resources. The Ottoman Turks eventually captured Constantinople in 1453, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire.
2) Economic and financial difficulties: The Byzantine Empire faced economic and financial difficulties that contributed to its decline. The empire relied heavily on trade, but the closure of key trade routes due to wars and conflicts disrupted their trading networks. In addition, excessive government spending, corruption, and inefficiencies in tax collection led to economic instability and financial problems.
These primary causes of military pressure and economic difficulties ultimately led to the gradual decline and eventual fall of the Byzantine Empire.