Multiple choice What issues did the Byzantine Empire face in the eleventh century? plague and invasions by Ostrogoths and Visigoths schism with the Roman Catholic Church in the west schism with Islam and a declining silk industry plague and riots following chariot races Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself B Correct answer Explanation The Great Schism of 1054 marked the formal break between the Eastern Orthodox Church (Byzantine) and the Roman Catholic Church (West), creating significant political and religious tension.