Research topic: Leo III

Leo III (Leo the Isaurian or Leo the Syrian), c.680-741, Byzantine emperor (717-41). He was probably born in N Syria (rather than in Isauria, as once thought). He held diplomatic and military posts before he deposed and succeeded Theodosius III. His accession ended the anarchy into which the empire had fallen since the reign of Justinian II . Leo defended Constantinople against the last Arab siege (717-18), and although he had to contend with Arab attacks in Asia Minor, he succeeded in ending serious Arab threats for nearly two centuries and reorganized the military provinces ( themes )... Read more