Byzantine Relations with the Western Europe

The Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, had complex relations with Western Europe marked by political intrigue, cultural exchanges, and religious differences. While they shared a common heritage, the Byzantines often viewed Western Europeans with suspicion, especially after the Great Schism of 1054, which divided Christianity into Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Trade flourished between the two regions, yet military conflicts, such as the Crusades, often strained relations. The Byzantines sought alliances with Western powers against common threats, reflecting a mix of cooperation and rivalry throughout their history.