Constantine V, also known as Constantine the Dung-named by his enemies, was emperor of the Byzantine empire from 741 to 775 CE. He enjoyed military successes in the Middle East and Balkans but his reign is chiefly remembered for his systematic persecution of any Christians, churches and monasteries which venerated icons, idols and relics. These actions and a neglect of affairs in Italy would, ultimately, see the Popes break from the Byzantine empire and join with the Franks, splitting the Christian Church in two.
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Timeline
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720Byzantine emperor Leo III makes his son Constantine V co-emperor.
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741 - 775Reign of Byzantine emperor Constantine V
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744Emperor Constantine V regains the Byzantine throne from the usurper Artabasdos.
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746 - 752Byzantine emperor Constantine V conducts successful campaigns in northern Syria and Armenia.
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754The Council of Hieria declares the worship of icons by Christians as heresy.
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755Byzantine emperor Constantine V instigates a persecution of Christians who worship icons.
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756 - 775Byzantine emperor Constantine V wins a string of military victories against the Bulgars.
