Question

The Byzantine Empire collapsed after more than one thousand years in existence primarily because of the _______.

• A. accession of Frederick III to Holy Roman Emperor in 1452
• B. Great Schism that began around 1378
• C. Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453
• D. end of Russian tributes to the Golden Horde in 1462
• E. French victories that ended the Hundred Years' War in 1453

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453

The Byzantine Empire, which thrived for more than a millennium, lost its power as a result of internal dissent, competition with neighbouring powers, and territorial loss. It was weakened by a series of civil wars in the 1300s. In the fifteenth century, a disastrous conflict against the Ottomans led to defeat. The Byzantine Empire crumbled, and the Ottoman Turks annexed its territories in 1453.