What was the Ecloga law code issued by Leo III in 726?

The Ecloga (Greek for "selection") was a significant compilation of Byzantine law issued in 726 by Emperor Leo III the Isaurian, in his name and that of his son, Constantine.1

As the most important legal work following the 6th-century Code of Justinian, the Ecloga was written in Greek rather than traditional Latin to ensure it was accessible to the public and practical for judges. While rooted in Roman law, Leo III revised the code to reflect Christian principles and a spirit of greater humanity.1

Key reforms included:
* Civil Law: The rights of women and children were strengthened, while the traditional power of the father was significantly reduced.1
* Criminal Law: Capital punishment was restricted to specific crimes, such as treason, military desertion, and certain homicides, with mutilation often replacing the death penalty for other offenses.1
* Judicial Integrity: The code mandated equal punishment across all social classes and introduced salaries for judicial officials to discourage bribery and favoritism.1

The Ecloga profoundly influenced subsequent Byzantine legislation and the development of law in Slavic nations.12