The Eastern Roman ("Byzantine") Empire is ruled by the Isaurian or Syrian dynasty from 711 to 802.

The Isaurian emperors ware successful in defending and consolidating the Empire against the Caliphate after the onslaught of the early Muslim conquests, but are less successful in Europe, where they suffer setbacks against the Bulgars, have to give up the Exarchate of Ravenna, and lose influence over Italy and the Papacy to the growing power of the Franks.The Isaurian dynasty is chiefly associated with Byzantine Iconoclasm, an attempt to restore divine favor by purifying the Christian faith from excessive adoration of icons, which results in considerable internal turmoil.By the end of the Isaurian dynasty in 802, the Byzantines are continuing to fight the Arabs and the Bulgars for their very existence, with matters made more complicated with the resurrection of the Western Empire under Charlemagne.