Artabasdos

Artabasdos (Greek Ἀρταβάσδος or Ἀρταύασδος; † 743 ) was a usurper against Constantine V Byzantine emperor from 741/42 to 743

Shortly after the accession of Constantine ( 741 ) grabbed Artabasdos with the support of strong iconophiles ( opponents of the Iconoclasts ) fraction in both the clergy and the people (hence its nickname Ikonophilos ) after coming to power in Constantinople Opel, taking his son Nicephorus (and perhaps his brother Nicetas ) was elevated to co-emperor. Constantine fled into the mountains Isauriens, but returned to the Asian part of the Byzantine army, struck in 743 Artabasdos ' armed forces and let him and hide a part of his followers.