First Arab Siege of Constantinople: What Happened
Between about 674 and 678 AD, the forces of the Umayyad Caliphate, under Caliph Muawiya I, launched a prolonged campaign against Constantinople. In the decades since the rise of Islam, Arab armies had conquered Syria, Egypt and Persia with astonishing speed, and they now aimed at the Byzantine capital itself. Rather than a continuous siege, the campaign involved several years of naval blockade and attacks. Arab fleets established a base near Cyzicus in the Sea of Marmara, from which they attacked the city's surroundings each spring and summer. The emperor Constantine IV led the defense. The city's powerful walls held, and the Byzantine navy used the newly invented Greek fire to devastating effect, destroying many Arab ships. The Arab fleet was then badly damaged by storms on its way home, and a Byzantine army defeated Arab forces in Anatolia. Muawiya agreed to a peace treaty and paid tribute to the empire. Some modern historians question the details of the traditional account, but the failure halted Arab expansion toward Constantinople for a generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the first Arab siege of Constantinople?
The first Arab siege of Constantinople took place between about 674 and 678 AD, launched by the Umayyad Caliphate under Caliph Muawiya I.
Was it a continuous siege?
No. It involved several years of naval blockade and seasonal attacks from an Arab base near Cyzicus in the Sea of Marmara, rather than a constant siege.
Who defended Constantinople during the first Arab siege?
The emperor Constantine IV led the defense. The city's walls held, and the Byzantine navy used the newly invented Greek fire to destroy many Arab ships.
How did the first Arab siege end?
The Arab fleet was badly damaged by storms on its way home, and a Byzantine army defeated Arab forces in Anatolia. Muawiya agreed to peace and paid tribute.
Is the story of the first Arab siege certain?
Some modern historians question details of the traditional account, which comes mainly from later Byzantine chroniclers, but the Arab campaign clearly failed to take the city.
