The Great Schism: In 1054, the Christian church experienced a major split known as the Great Schism. This division created a rivalry between the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe and the Eastern Orthodox Church centered in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). Theological and political disputes along with conflicts over territories further fueled the tension.
Crusades and Religious differences: The Crusades, a series of religious Expedition launched by Western Christian kingdoms, sought to recapture the Holy Land from Muslim control. The conflicts brought Western Europeans into direct contact with Eastern cultures, leading to clashes of religious beliefs and practices. Mutual distrust and animosity grew between Western Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Economic and Trade Competition: The Mediterranean Sea served as a crucial trade route for both Eastern and Western counties, leading to competition for access and control of trade networks. Economic rivalries and disputes over resources contributed to tensions between the Byzantine Empire in the east and Italian maritime republics such as Venice and Genoa.
Expansionist Ambitions: The Byzantine Empire, with its rich history, wealth, and strategic territories, was often the target of Western European expansionist ambitions. The Venetian and Italian forces frequently launched campaigns to conquer Byzantine lands and gain access to lucrative trading opportunities. These encroachments further deepened the conflict between the East and the West.
Political Power Struggles: The decline of the Byzantine Empire in the 11th and 12th centuries created a power vacuum in the eastern Mediterranean region. Various powerful Western kingdoms and noble families took advantage of this situation, vying for influence and control over former Byzantine territories. The contest for political dominance exacerbated the conflict.
Cultural Differences: The Eastern Orthodox civilization preserved many aspects of the classical Greek and Roman traditions, while Western Europe had evolved differently under the influence of Germanic cultures. These cultural differences further contributed to misunderstandings and prejudice.
These factors accumulated over centuries, creating a deep-seated conflict between the Eastern and Western counties that manifested in several battles and conflicts, including Venetian- Byzantine clashes, the Ottoman conquests, and the Crusades. The rivalry between the East and West played a significant role in shaping the course of European history, both politically and culturally.