Final answer:
The conflict between medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire was driven by religious, economic, and political disagreements. The religious divide between Christianity and Islam, economic imbalances, and political clashes during the Crusades were the main sources of conflict.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the main disagreements that led to the conflict between medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire was the religious divide between Christianity and Islam. The Byzantine Empire was primarily Orthodox Christian, while the Arab Muslim caliphates held different religious beliefs. This religious conflict contributed to military clashes and territorial disputes between the two powers.
Another disagreement was the economic differences between the two regions. While Europe had a barter economy, the Muslim world had a currency-based market economy. This led to trade imbalances and increased reliance on goods imported from the Arab world.
Lastly, there were political conflicts between Byzantium and various European states, particularly during the Crusades. European powers saw the Byzantine Empire as a potential ally or enemy depending on their own political interests, leading to periods of cooperation and conflict.