Final answer:
The Macedonian Dynasty strengthened the Byzantine Empire by curbing the power of elites and redistributing land to peasants. However, internal turmoil weakened the empire as less competent emperors reversed these policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Macedonian Dynasty strengthened the Byzantine Empire through their policies to curb the power of the elites, redistribute land to the peasants, and expand their territories. These actions helped to strengthen the economy, military, and social structure of the empire. However, internal turmoil weakened the empire as less competent emperors reversed these policies, leading to a decline in the peasant backbone of the army and the empowerment of the elite. Additionally, conflicts over successors and loss of control over overseas territories further weakened the empire.