Leo V the Armenian

Leo V (c. 775–25 December 820), called the Armenian, was a Byzantine general commanding the Anatolic Theme. After the rout at Versinikia in 813, he forced Michael I Rangabe to abdicate and took the throne.

He endured Krum of Bulgaria's blockade of Constantinople and attempted to kill him at a parley. After Krum's death he made a thirty-year peace with Omurtag. In 815 he deposed Patriarch Nikephoros and launched the second period of iconoclasm. On Christmas Day 820 conspirators serving Michael the Amorian murdered him during the dawn liturgy, and Michael became emperor.