726 CE
Itzamnaaj K'awiil, the ruler of the Mayan city state at Dos Pilas in Guatemala since 698, dies after a 28-year reign. Seismic activity in the Mediterranean Sea: The volcanic island of Thera erupts, while the city of Jerash (in present-day Jordan) suffers a major earthquake. The first annual Sumo tournament in Japan is held by Emperor Shōmu (approximate date).
In the 720s, the 8th century.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- Dúngal mac Selbaig is deposed as king of Dál Riata (Scotland). He is succeeded by Eochaid mac Echdach (a son of former king Eochaid mac Domangairt).source
Conflict & Security
- Uprising in Venice against Byzantium: The cause of mass unrest is the iconoclastic decrees of Emperor Leo III. A few days later, political demands are put forward for wide autonomy within the Byzantine Empire and the right to appoint the ruler of the region (Doge). The rebels elect Orso Ipato the Doge of Venice. Desiring to preserve the proceeds of the treasury from the second most important port of the Byzantine Empire, and not having the resources to cope with a well-fortified and armed region, Byzantium agrees with all the requirements put forward. Orso Ipato is recognised by Leo III, who gives him the title hypatos. The Venetian fleet, led by Orso Ipato, frees Ravenna from the Lombards and restores the power of the Byzantine governor there.source
- King Ine of Wessex resigns his crown, and travels on a pilgrimage to Rome. He is succeeded by his brother-in-law (and probably distant cousin) Æthelheard.source
- Umayyad conquest of Gaul: Muslim raiders under Abdul Rahman al-Ghafiqi, current governor of Septimania, devastate Avignon, Viviers, Valence, Vienne and Lyon (approximate date).source
Exploration & Expansion
- Arab–Byzantine War: Muslim forces under Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik resume their expedition against Anatolia (modern Turkey). In a large-scale raid they plunder the fortress city of Caesarea.source
Religion & Belief
- Council of Manzikert in Armenian and West Syriac churchessource
- Benedictine abbey of Neuwiller founded by bishop Sigibald of Metz.source
- Abbo of Provence, Frankish nobleman, founds Novalesa Abbey in Piedmont (Northern Italy).source
- Emperor Leo III issues a series of edicts banning the veneration of images (726–729), and launching the iconoclastic controversies. Most of the clergy – particularly in Italy and Greece – are opposed to these edicts with uncompromising hostility, and in the western parts of the Byzantine Empire the people refuse to obey his religious reforms.source
Climate & Environment
- Seismic activity in the Mediterranean Sea: The volcanic island of Thera erupts, while the city of Jerash (in present-day Jordan) suffers a major earthquake.source
Culture & Society
- The first annual Sumo tournament in Japan is held by Emperor Shōmu (approximate date).source
Births
Deaths
- October 22 – Itzamnaaj K'awiil, a Maya ruler of Dos Pilassource
- October 22 – Itzamnaaj K'awiil, the ruler of the Mayan city state at Dos Pilas in Guatemala since 698, dies after a 28-year reign.source
- Anbasa ibn Suhaym al-Kalbi, Muslim governorsource
- Marcello Tegalliano, second Doge of Venice, dies after a 9-year reign.source
- Oda of Scotland, Christian saint (approximate date)source
- Marcello Tegalliano, doge of Venicesource