Unsuccessful attempt by the Umayyad Caliphate to capture the Byzantine city of Nicaea in 727
The failed Umayyad siege marked the high point of Arab raids into Byzantine Asia Minor and bolstered Leo III's iconoclast policy.
Key Facts
- Year of siege
- 727 AD
- Duration of attacks
- 40 days days
- Arab commander
- A son of the Umayyad Caliph
- Byzantine theme capital
- Capital of the Opsician Theme
- Outcome
- Arab forces withdrew; city held firm
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Umayyad Caliphate's failure to capture Constantinople in 717–718, Arab forces launched a series of raids into Byzantine Asia Minor seeking territorial gains. In 727, an Arab army led by one of the Caliph's sons penetrated deep into the region, sacking two Byzantine fortresses before advancing on Nicaea.
The Arab army arrived before Nicaea in late July 727 and subjected the city to constant attacks for approximately 40 days. Despite sustained pressure, the Byzantine defences held and the city did not fall. The Arab forces ultimately abandoned the siege and withdrew back to the Caliphate.
The successful Byzantine defence provided Emperor Leo III the Isaurian with a propaganda boost for his iconoclast campaign, which he cited as evidence of divine favour. The siege also marked the peak of Umayyad raiding power in Asia Minor, as mounting threats on other frontiers weakened the Caliphate while Byzantine strength subsequently grew.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Son of the Umayyad Caliph (name unrecorded).
Side B
1 belligerent
Leo III the Isaurian (Byzantine Emperor).