Leo V the Armenian
Leo V the Armenian was a capable general who seized the throne in a time of crisis, stabilized the empire's northern frontier, and revived the iconoclast controversy, only to be assassinated in the most dramatic setting imaginable - the imperial chapel on Christmas morning. Almost immediately after seizing power he faced the formidable Bulgarian Khan Krum, who marched on Constantinople. Leo managed to stabilize the situation through a combination of defensive diplomacy and military pressure that brought the Bulgars to terms after Krum's sudden death in 814, securing a thirty-year peace in 816. Theologically, Leo became convinced that the empire's military setbacks were divine punishment for the restoration of icon veneration, and in 815 he convened a new synod that reinstated iconoclasm. His court harbored a conspiracy of officers loyal to Michael the Amorian, and on Christmas Day 820 assassins burst into the chapel of the Blachernai Palace during the morning service. Leo was cut down while reportedly attempting to defend himself with a liturgical cross.
- Lived: 775 CE – 820 CE
- Nationality: byzantine
- Roles: emperor, head_of_state, military_leader
