Leo III was emperor of the Byzantine Empire from 717 to 741 CE. He founded the Isaurian dynasty which ruled until 802 CE. The emperor was a talented administrator, and he revamped the empire's political apparatus and legal code. Leo's reign also saw several conflicts with the Arab world beginning with the successful defence of Constantinople and ending in the reconquest of Asia Minor. The emperor is best remembered today for beginning the destruction of icons in the Christian church which his successors pursued with even more passion, leading to a widening of the gap between the western and eastern Church.
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Definition
Timeline
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717 - 718Greek Fire is used by Byzantine ships to attack an Arab fleet besieging Constantinople.
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717 - 741Reign of Byzantine emperor Leo III.
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717 - 802The Isaurian dynasty, founded by Leo III, rules the Byzantine Empire.
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720Byzantine emperor Leo III makes his son Constantine V co-emperor.
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726Byzantine emperor Leo III wins a battle against the Arabs at Nicaea.
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726Byzantine emperor Leo III makes legal reforms, publishing his Ecloga.
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730Byzantine emperor Leo III decrees that all religious icons be destroyed.
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740Byzantine emperor Leo III wins a decisive victory over the Arabs at the battle of Akroinon.
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741Byzantine emperor Leo III dies in his sleep.
