# Byzantine Iconoclasm begins (726)

URL: https://christianity-history.com/timeline/726-byzantine-iconoclasm-begins
Location: Constantinople
Themes: Theology

Emperor Leo III moves against religious images, beginning a century of conflict over icons. At this point in the timeline (726), the Bishop of Rome was Pope Gregory II (19 May 715 – 11 February 731).

## Why it matters
Byzantine Iconoclasm begins mattered because it shaped how Christians understand God, Christ, salvation and the church.

Pope at the time: [Pope Gregory II](https://christianity-history.com/popes/pope-gregory-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Byzantine Iconoclasm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine_Iconoclasm)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Byzantine Iconoclasm begins](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Byzantine+Iconoclasm+begins)
- [Wikipedia — Age Of Councils (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_seven_ecumenical_councils)