717 – 718 · Constantinople Theater
717 – 718
The Umayyads launched their greatest effort against Constantinople, a vast land and sea assault under Maslama. But the emperor Leo III, the walls, Greek Fire, a brutal winter, Bulgar attacks on the besiegers, and disease and starvation combined to destroy the enormous Arab army and fleet. Only a fraction of the huge host that had set out ever returned.
Commanders