Lev Isavr Byzantine Emperor (717-741). Country: Italy

1. Biography of Leo III the Isaurian
2. Rebellion and Ascension to the Throne
3. The Siege of Constantinople
4. Suppressing Rebellions
5. Iconoclasm

Biography of Leo III the Isaurian

Leo III the Isaurian was the Byzantine Emperor who reigned from 717 to 741. He was born in Germenicia, a city in the region of Isauria in Asia Minor. His family background can be traced to the Isaurian region.

Rebellion and Ascension to the Throne

Leo III was given the title of patrician by Emperor Anastasios II and appointed as the governor of the province in Asia Minor. However, when Theodosius III was proclaimed emperor by his troops, Leo III refused to acknowledge him and led a rebellion. Theodosius abdicated the throne, with the assurance of his safety. In March 717, Leo III became the undisputed emperor and immediately focused on defending the empire against the Arabs, who had already conquered Syria and were advancing into Asia Minor.

The Siege of Constantinople

During Leo III's reign, a massive Arab fleet arrived from Egypt and Syria, launching a year-long siege of Constantinople that lasted until August 718. However, the Arab forces were ultimately defeated due to the effective use of "Greek fire" and the assistance of Bulgarian Khan Tervel, who had defeated the Arab land forces. This victory marked the end of the Arab conquests in the eastern empire.

Suppressing Rebellions

Leo III successfully suppressed two rebellions during his reign. In 719, he defeated the ruler of Sicily, Sergius, and in the same year, he defeated the ex-emperor Anastasius, who had marched towards Constantinople with a Bulgarian army. The city did not accept Anastasius, and the Bulgarians handed him over to Leo III. The Byzantine Empire maintained peaceful relations with Bulgaria throughout Leo III's reign.

Iconoclasm

Leo III held the belief that the veneration of sacred images was idolatrous. It was during his reign that the period of iconoclasm began, during which a significant number of frescoes and mosaics were destroyed. This marked a substantial change in the structure of the empire and the development of Byzantine law.

Overall, Leo III the Isaurian was a successful emperor who defended the Byzantine Empire against Arab invasions, suppressed rebellions, and initiated the iconoclastic movement. His reign had a lasting impact on the empire's history and its religious and artistic traditions.