Irene's iconodule policies alienate many among the…

Irene's iconodule policies alienate many among the themal troops, who are still loyal to the memory of the great warrior emperor, Constantine V. In an effort to maintain her popularity among the monkish defenders of the icons and with the population of Constantinople, she rebates taxes to which these groups are subject; she also reduces the customs duties levied outside the port of Constantinople, at Abydos and Hieros.

The consequent loss to the treasury weighs even more severely since victories won by the Arabs in Asia Minor in 781 and by the Bulgarians in 792 have led both peoples to demand and receive tribute as the price of peace.

A movement develops in favor of his Constantine’s uncle, the Caesar Nikephoros.

Constantine has his uncle's eyes put out and the tongues of his father's four other half-brothers cut off.

His former Armenian supporters revolt after he blinds their general Alexios Mosele.

He crushes this revolt with extreme cruelty in 793.