The iconoclastic controversy lasted from 726 AD, when Emperor Leo III began an attack on the use of religious images, until 843 AD when the Empress Theodora allowed their restoration. Since this contestable time period, many art historians have questioned the negative and positive issues behind iconoclasm-the desecration of religious icons. Although in many instances this iconoclastic movement seemed ridiculous and unnecessary, Leo III had a definite objective in mind. Leo III had ample cause to be …showed first 75 words of 772 total…

…showed last 75 words of 772 total…having a false sense of security; got them to see the idea about breaking the Second Commandment, and cut the funding to the monasteries and put it back in the church where it belonged. All in all Iconoclasm was necessary in bring Christians together and putting it where it is today. Present day Christian life would not have the girth of its background and history if it were not for this remarkable period of time.