Konstantinlösen

Konstantinlösen refers to the ransom paid by the Byzantine Empire for the release of Emperor Constantine V. The incident occurred in 741 CE during a period of internal strife. Constantine V, who had been crowned co-emperor with his father Leo III, was on his way to campaign against the Bulgars when he learned of a rebellion led by his brother-in-law, Artavasdos. Artavasdos seized the capital, Constantinople, and usurped the throne. Constantine, with the support of loyal troops, eventually defeated Artavasdos and regained control of the empire. However, during his exile, Artavasdos' forces captured Constantine. While specific details of the ransom are scarce in historical records, it is understood that a sum of money or other valuable considerations was exchanged to secure Constantine's freedom and the restoration of his imperial authority. This event highlights the precarious nature of imperial succession and the constant threat of internal rebellions within the Byzantine Empire. The successful reassertion of power by Constantine V marked the beginning of a more assertive and iconoclastic reign.