Leo III (the Isaurian)

Leo III, known as Leo the Isaurian, was a Byzantine emperor who reigned from 717 to 741. He is notable for defending the empire against Islamic Arab assaults and for initiating the iconoclastic movement, which aimed to ban religious images and icons. His policies sparked significant controversy and religious debate within the empire. Leo's leadership helped stabilize the Byzantine Empire during a challenging period and laid groundwork for later religious and political developments. His reign is marked by efforts to strengthen imperial authority and enforce doctrinal unity.