How did the fourth crusade contribute to the byzantine empire’s downfall? it caused the death of the most able and respected byzantine emperor, leo iii. it left constantinople permanently damaged after the crusaders looted its valuables. it led to large-scale conflicts between the byzantine civilians and military forces. it unleashed a terrible plague on constantinople, drastically reducing its population. it showed the byzantine subjects the incompetence and cowardice of their rulers.

The answer is B) It left Constantinople permanently damaged after the crusaders looted its valuables.


By the Fourth Crusade, The Byzantine Empire was already weak and was a mere shadow of it's former self. 

It had a religious significance in the Christian world and its capital, Constantinople was the largest city in Europe, however, economically and reginally it was very weak.

The Fourth Crusade ended in disaster for Christians but more so for the Byzantine Empire as the crusaders populated the city soon after and launched a plunder of loot.

It should be remembered that most of these 'crusaders' were paid mercenaries and that more interest in power and money than religion.