Artabasdus

Artabasdus was a chamberlain of the Byzantine emperor Leo III the Isaurian and briefly seized power in Constantinople soon after the accession of Leo's son, Constantine V Copronymus, in 741. He was supported by strong iconodule (i.e. supporters of holy images) fractions among the clergy and common people. Constantine however took refuge in the Isaurian mountains whence his dynasty originated, and with support of the Asian part of the Byzantine army, who were iconoclasts to a man, had Artabasdus defeated and executed in 743.

Preceded by: Constantine V

Byzantine emperors

Followed by: Constantine V (restored)