civil wars of the Byzantine Empire

Civil wars in the Byzantine Empire were internal conflicts often sparked by power struggles among emperors, aristocrats, or military leaders. These disputes typically arose over succession, political alliances, or religious disagreements. Key examples include the Nika Riots in 532 AD, where public unrest led to violent clashes and changes in leadership, and the conflict during the 11th century between different factions vying for control. Such civil wars weakened the empire, leading to social unrest and instability, ultimately contributing to its decline. The Byzantine civil wars illustrate the challenges of maintaining unity in a diverse and expansive empire.