Earlier in the century, with relentless pressure coming from Islam, two emperors – Leo III (717 - 741) and his son Constantine V (741 - 775) – had outlawed "idolatry" and its plethora of "holy icons".
Nauna nang ipinagbawal ng dalawang emperador, si Leo III (717-741) ang ng kanyang anak na si Constantino V (741-775), ang “idolatrya” ang ang mga sarisaring “santong imahen” na kaakibat nito.