Leo III the Isaurian

Byzantine Emperor who ended the Anarchy and championed Iconoclasm.

Chronology: 675 – 0741-06-18

Origins & Early Life

Leo III the Isaurian (Greek: Λέων ὁ Ἴσαυρος, romanized: Leōn ō Isauros; c. 685 – 18 June 741), also known as the Syrian, was the first Byzantine emperor of the Isaurian dynasty from 717 until his death in 741. He put an end to the Twenty Years' Anarchy, a period of great instability in the Byzantine Empire between 695 and 717, marked by the rapid succession of several emperors, along with ending the continual defeats and territorial losses the Byzantines had suffered during the 7th century. He successfully defended the Empire against the invading Umayyads and forbade the veneration of icons.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

== Early life == Leo III was born in Germanikeia (modern Kahramanmaraş in Turkey), within the northern boundaries of Syria, east of Cilicia. His original name was Konon (Greek: Κόνων). Leo III spoke Arabic as his native language, and was described by Theophanes the Confessor as "the Saracen-minded," although there is very little evidence that he was directly influenced by Islam. Most modern scholars reject the appellation of "the Isaurian" as a misnomer. The nickname first appears in the chronicle of Theophanes the Confessor, written c.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

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Source: Wikipedia