Isurian Dynasty Political Crises and their Responses

711-717 A rapided Succession of emperors NAMES. The empire was left weak fiscally, military and on
the verge of collapse
Leo III a Stargeos of Antalkion army revolts against the Emperor Theodosius. He secures his position by
saving Amorian and Capturing the Emperors son. Meanwhile the Arabs have launched a massive Siege
in attempt to conquer Constantinople. Leo III rebuilds and restores many of fortifications along the
citys walls. The Arabs could not effectively blockade Constantinople due to the Byzantine navy use of
Greek fire against the Arab navy. A harsh winter left the Arabs starved and demoralized. The final blow
to the Arab Siege came from the Bulgars who entered an alliance with Leo III. Descending onto the rear
of the Arab army the Bulgars inflected a defeat. In 718 the Arab army retreated back to Northern Syria.
Leo III took many measures to establish his control over the empire.
First, he was able to consolidate his power by crushing revolts that plagued the empire in previous
decades.
Strengthened the Byzantine Navy scoring many victories in Sicily and Rhodes
He issued the legal reform Ecloga which abridged the Justainantic Law Code making it simpler and
showed the importance of canonical law.
Financial Reforms such as the confiscation of the kommerkiarioi allowed for valuable revenue to fill
imperial coffers.
726 The Eruption of Thera a possible motivation for the introduction of Iconoclasm. Regardless of
whether Leo III was actual iconoclast their ramifications for the emperor. Rebellions in the Hellas
theme. However the most conflict occurred in Italy. The Popes refused to recognize the
Constantine V started his reign with a power struggle with his brother in law Artabasos. After a two year
power struggle Constantine V gained control of the Byzantine Empire.
Constantine V instituted building projects such as the restoration the Valens Aqueduct.
Reorganized the Theme System by breaking apart the Ospkion Theme. Creates the Scholae and
exkoubitores kind of a central standing army known later as the Tagmata
Went on the offensive against the Arabs and Bulgars. Talk About these. Although his Terriotorail gains
were limited Constantine energized the Byzantine army. He used a scorched earth tactic to quell small
Arab raiding parties that plagued the Empire.
Successfully repopulated Constantinople and the surrounding areas with people from the Hellas and
Aegean Islands.
Council of Hirea synod convened of mostly Iconlastic Bishops
Further decay of Imperial power in Italy Ravanna finally captured by the Lombards. Rome throws off
imperial control asks for Frankish aid.

Leo IV had to confront the renewal of Arab invasions. From 775 to his death in 780 Leo IV saw
equilibrium between Byzantine and Arab forces.
Leo IV took a more lenient policy toward Iconoclasm.