Leo IV the Khazar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Leo IV |
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| Emperor of the Romans | |
Solidus of Leo IV and his son Constantine VI
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| Byzantine emperor | |
| Reign | 14 September 775 – 8 September 780 |
| Coronation | 6 June 751 |
| Predecessor | Constantine V |
| Successor | Constantine VI and Irene of Athens (as regent) |
| Born | 25 January 750 |
| Died | 8 September 780 (aged 30) |
| Consort | Irene |
| Issue | Constantine VI |
| Dynasty | Isaurian |
| Father | Constantine V |
| Mother | Tzitzak |
Leo IV the Khazar (born 25 January 750 – died 8 September 780) was a Byzantine emperor. He ruled the Byzantine Empire from 775 to 780 AD. Leo was the son of Emperor Constantine V and Empress Tzitzak.
He became a co-emperor with his father in 751. In 768, he married Irene of Athens. When his father, Constantine V, died in 775 during a war, Leo IV became the main emperor. In 778, Leo led an attack into Abbasid Syria. His army won an important victory near Germanikeia. Leo IV died on 8 September 780, at the age of 30. His young son, Constantine VI, took over as emperor. Leo's wife, Irene, became the regent, meaning she ruled for their son until he was old enough.
Becoming Emperor
Leo IV was born on 25 January 750 AD. His father was Emperor Constantine V. His mother was Empress Tzitzak, who was from the Khazars people. She was given the Christian name Eirene. Because his mother was Khazar, Leo was often called 'the Khazar'.
When Leo was just a baby in 751, his father made him a co-emperor. This meant he shared the title with his father. On 14 September 775, Leo became the main emperor. This happened after his father, Constantine V, died while fighting against the Bulgarian Empire.
At this time, Leo was sick with tuberculosis. His son, Constantine VI, was also very young. Because of this, two of Leo's half-brothers, Nikephoros and Christopher, hoped to become emperor. But in 776, Leo made his son Constantine a caesar. This officially named Constantine as his successor. Soon after, Nikephoros and Christopher were caught planning against Leo. Many people wanted them to be punished severely. However, Leo chose to forgive them. He did send some other plotters away to Cherson.
War with the Abbasid Caliphate
In 778, Emperor Leo launched an attack against the Abbasids. He sent his army into Syria. This army was made up of soldiers from different parts of the Byzantine Empire called themes.
One general, Lachanodrakon, tried to capture the city of Germanicia. He was offered money to stop the attack, which he accepted. Then he started raiding the areas around the city. The Abbasids attacked Lachanodrakon's army while they were raiding. But the Byzantine armies fought back and won a big victory.
When the Byzantine generals returned to Constantinople, they were given a special parade. This was called a triumphal entry. It was a way to celebrate their victory. Some people called Jacobites were taken from Syria and moved to Thrace. The next year, in 779, Leo's army successfully stopped an attack by the Abbasids in Asia Minor.
Death and Succession
Leo IV died on 8 September 780. He had a strong fever because of his tuberculosis. His son, Constantine, was only nine years old. So, Constantine became the new emperor, and his mother, Irene, ruled as his regent.
