Ancient

741 Constantine V (741-75) became Roman Emperor. Like his father, he was an iconoclast. It is reported that, when he was baptized, he fouled the baptismal waters. Thus, he is known as Constantine Copronymus (that is, Constantine "dung-name"). In 742, his throne was usurped by his brother-in-law, Artabasdus. In 743, however, Constantine regained his throne. Patriarch Anastatius (730-54), who had supported the usurper, was paraded naked around the arena, riding backward on a donkey, but then restored to office.