1. Leadership Instability: Internal power struggles and succession crises within the Byzantine court led to frequent changes in leadership, many times resulting in incompetent or weak emperors who were unable to respond effectively to external challenges and military threats.
2. Administrative Corruption and Bureaucracy: Byzantine administration became inefficient due to widespread corruption and favoritism. This meant that the empire could not effectively raise or manage financial resources, maintain proper military strategies, or address the needs of its citizens.
3. Rebellions and Civil Wars: The lack of stability and effective governance led to numerous rebellions and civil wars. These conflicts drained the empire's resources, created internal divisions, and weakened its ability to defend its territories.
4. Invasions and Loss of Territories: Political instability made it difficult for the Byzantine Empire to respond effectively to external invasions and military pressures from neighboring powers such as the Seljuk Turks, the Normans, and later the Ottoman Turks. As the empire lost territory, its influence and power diminished, further contributing to internal instability.
5. Decline of Military Capabilities: Internal turmoil, lack of funds and resources, and corruption within the military led to a decline in the Empire's ability to defend itself. This allowed the empire to become increasingly vulnerable to external threats.
6. Power Struggles and Factionalism: Political divisions and power struggles often divided the Byzantine elite and aristocracy. Instead of working together for the benefit of the empire, factions engaged in internal conflicts, hindering the emperor's efforts to maintain order and control.
These factors of political turmoil created a vicious cycle that weakened the Byzantine Empire, making it more susceptible to military, economic, and cultural decline until it eventually fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.