Final answer:
Empires, such as the Roman and Mali Empires, declined due to internal factors like political instability, financial crises, and diminishing tax revenues. Factional politics within empires and internal rebellions exacerbated these issues, ultimately contributing to their collapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The internal causes of an empire's decline typically involve a complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors. Notable examples can be found in the histories of various empires. For instance, the Roman Empire suffered from political instability, including internal power struggles and corrupt practices such as the Praetorian Guard auctioning off the throne. Factionalism among elites, financial crises, and diminishing tax revenues due to the loss of territories played significant roles in weakening the empire from within. Similarly, the Byzantine Empire faced challenges from powerful internal elites who weakened the state's structure. The Mali Empire also encountered internal strife with rebellions and dynastic disputes contributing to its demise.
Each of these factors, whether it be factional politics, nationalism sparking revolts, or financial difficulties, chipped away at the stability and integrity of these empires, making them susceptible to collapse. Understanding these causes offers insight into the complex nature of historical change and the fragility of even the mightiest of empires.