How did Leo III improve Constantinople’s defenses?

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Leo III improved the defenses of Constantinople primarily through his strategic leadership during the Arab siege of 717–718 and by maintaining the city's physical infrastructure.

Strategic Defense: Upon becoming emperor, Leo organized a skillful defense against the Arab forces led by Maslamah ibn ʿAbd al-Malik. His success relied on the use of Greek fire, taking advantage of a severe winter, and coordinating with a Bulgarian assault on the Arab encampments in Thrace to force the enemy to abandon the siege.1
Infrastructure: Beyond his tactical military maneuvers, Leo repaired the extensive walls of Constantinople, ensuring the city's physical fortifications remained robust.1

These efforts were part of a broader commitment to military efficiency, which included reorganizing military-district armies to prevent internal threats and strengthening the overall effectiveness of the Byzantine armed forces.1