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Why did Theodosius III abdicate in favor of Leo III?
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Leo III
Leo III, gold solidus from Constantinople, 717–741.
Theodosius III abdicated in 717 because he realized that further opposition to Leo III was futile.1
After Leo III, the commander of the Anatolikon theme, refused to recognize Theodosius III's authority, he secured support from Arab forces through deception and marched on Constantinople. Faced with this military pressure, the "feeble" Theodosius, who had been proclaimed emperor against his will by rebelling troops, chose to step down. Following his abdication, Theodosius III retired to a monastery in Ephesus.12