Murder of Emperor Leo V in Constantinople

Emperor Leo V was murdered by supporters of Michael II in a church located within the Great Palace of Constantinople. The assassination was fueled by a power struggle following the defeat of the Byzantine Empire's forces in battle. This violent act took place during a politically turbulent period, showcasing the intense factionalism within the imperial court. The assassins sought to eliminate Leo V as a threat to Michael II’s ambitions for the throne. The act of murder in a sacred space added a dramatic and shocking dimension to the political intrigue of the time.