Fragmented Latin rule in the Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire splintered into the Latin core with factions in Nicaea and Epirus, leading to poor governance and internal conflicts. This fragmentation resulted in ineffective leadership, such as Baldwin's defeat by the Bulgarians. The Latin rulers in Constantinople ruled poorly for 50 years, losing interest and support. Eventually, the Byzantines from Nicaea took over in 1261, restoring the empire to Byzantine control.