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Arab Siege of Constantinople (717-718)

Type Event Region Byzantine Time 717–718

In 717-718 CE, the Umayyad Caliphate under Maslama launched a massive land and sea siege of Constantinople;…

Timeline

  1. 717Constantinople · ByzantineThe Umayyad general Maslama led land and naval forces to besiege Constantinople, cutting off maritime supply lines; Leo III organized the city's defense and sought an alliance with Bulgaria.
  2. 718Sea of Marmara and the ports of Constantinople · ByzantineThe Byzantine fleet devastated the Arab fleet with Greek fire, while Bulgarian reinforcements attacked the Arab rear camp overland, reversing the course of the siege.
  3. 718Constantinople · ByzantineAfter suffering heavy losses, the Arab besieging army was forced to raise the siege and retreat; Byzantium held its capital, and Arab expansion into Anatolia was checked.

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