Michael continued to practice of iconoclasm, which had been reinvigorated by Leo V. The reign of Michael II saw two major military disasters that would have permanent effects on the Empire: the beginning of the Muslim conquest of Sicily, and the loss of Crete to the Saracens.
Mikhael terus mempraktikkan ikonoklasme, yang telah dibangkitkan kembali oleh Leo V. Pemerintahan Mikhael II menyaksikan dua bencana besar militer yang akan memiliki efek permanen pada Kekaisaran: awal penaklukan Muslim di Sisilia, dan hilangnya Kreta ke Saracen.