Question

How did the Avars contribute to the weakening of the Byzantine Empire?

Option 1: The Avars teamed with the powerful to overthrow Zoe and Theodora.
Option 2: The Avars formed a powerful kingdom along the Danube River and attacked from this position.
Option 3: The Avars turned against the Byzantines after initially helping them fight the Slavs.
Option 4: The Avars used advanced Greek technology to besiege the city of Constantinople.

Answer 1

The Avars weakened the Byzantine Empire by forming a kingdom along the Danube and launching attacks, destroying cities, and defeating Byzantine armies.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Avars contributed to the weakening of the Byzantine Empire by forming a powerful kingdom along the Danube River and attacking from this position. Option 2 of the given choices is accurate. They invaded from the north in the sixth century and raided not just the Balkans but across Europe. Although the Avars did convert to Christianity during the period of their invasions, which sometimes helped in diplomatic relations, they were more often a threat, as they destroyed Byzantine cities in the northern Balkans and defeated Byzantine armies. The Avars, alongside other challenges such as the Persians, Slavs, and later the Bulgars, pressed on Byzantine territory from different fronts, which undermined the empire's stability and control over its lands.