Isaurian Dynasty

The Isaurian Dynasty was a notable ruling family in Byzantine history that began with Emperor Leo III, who reigned from 717 to 741. Originating from Isauria, a region in southeastern Asia Minor, this dynasty is recognized for its military successes against external threats like the Umayyad Caliphate and its strong emphasis on the Orthodox Christian faith. The dynasty also marked a significant shift in Byzantine art and governance, embracing iconoclasm, the rejection of religious images, which led to internal conflict. The Isaurian Dynasty significantly shaped the Byzantine Empire's political and cultural landscape during the 8th century.