Constantine IV ruled as emperor of the Byzantine empire from 668 to 685 CE. His reign is best remembered today for the five-year Arab siege of Constantinople from 674 CE, which the Byzantines resisted thanks to their strong fortifications and the secret weapon of Greek Fire. Although not hugely successful in other theatres, the reign of Constantine would at least stabilize the Empire, perpetuate the rule of Christianity in the East, and permit something of a revival of Byzantine fortunes under subsequent emperors.
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Definition
Timeline
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668 - 685Reign of Byzantine emperor Constantine IV.
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674 - 678The Arab Umayyad Caliphate unsuccessfully besieges Constantinople.
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678First recorded use of Greek Fire in Byzantine warfare during the Arab siege of Constantinople.
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679The Umayyad Caliphate is obliged by treaty to give up former Byzantine territories in the Aegean.
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680A Byzantine naval fleet is defeated by the Bulgars.
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680 - 681The Sixth Ecumenical Council in Constantinople declares the end of Monotheletism and Monoenergism.
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681Byzantine emperor Constantine IV signs a peace treaty with the Bulgars.
