Leo, the Strategus of the Anatolikon theme proclaimed emperor, was to be fatally mistaken in his belief that an adherence to the stringent Iconoclast policies of Constantine V and Leo IV would lead him to old age and dynasty. He was neither to die in his bed; nor receive an imperial burial; nor even see his lineage rule beyond his own untimely death. (His son and annointed heir was crowned Constantine, but actually bore the Armenian name of Smbat.)

In fact, it is highly likely that were it not for Leo's adherence to such divisive religious policies, he would have been remembered among the finer emperors of the period. He was a superb general; considered just and honest by his subjects; appointed competent subordinates; and was responsible for major improvements to the capitol's fortifications.

But just as Leo had risen due to the patronage of Nicephorus and Michael, Leo brought up with him a young Amorian soldier by the name of Michael. On his assumption of power, Leo named Michael Commander of the Excubitors, the most influential position in the army, and was named grandson of Michael's son Theophilus. Michael himself though grew hungry for power and began to plot against his patron until eventually he was imprisoned and sentenced to die, the sentence commuted only by the imminence of the Christmas celebrations (see Michael's entry for the full details of his plotting).

During the night of Christmas Eve, 820, Michael's co-conspirators freed him from prison. Together they hacked Leo to death as he listened to hymns on Christmas morning. Afterwards they proclaimed the Amorian traitor emperor as Michael II.