The invocation of the dead, and veneration of their images, being gradually introduced in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th centuries, the _Greek_ Emperor _Philippicus_ declared against the latter, A.C. 711 or 712. And [5] the Emperor _Leo Isaurus_, to put a stop to it, called a meeting of Counsellors and Bishops in his Palace, A.C. 726; and by their advice put out an Edict against that worship, and wrote to Pope _Gregory_ II. that a general Council might be called. But the Pope thereupon called a Council at _Rome_, confirmed the worship of Images, excommunicated the _Greek_ Emperor, absolved the people from their allegiance, and forbad them to pay tribute, or otherwise be obedient to him. Then the people of _Rome_, _Campania_, _Ravenna_ and _Pentapolis_, with the cities under them, revolted and laid violent hands upon their magistrates, killing the Exarch _Paul_ at _Ravenna_, and laying aside _Peter_ Duke of _Rome_ who was become blind: and when _Exhileratus_ Duke of _Campania_ incited the people against the Pope, the _Romans_ invaded _Campania_, and slew him with his son _Hadrian_. Then a new Exarch, _Eutychius_, coming to _Naples_, sent some secretly to take away the lives of the Pope and the Nobles of _Rome_: but the plot being discovered, the _Romans_ revolted absolutely from the _Greek_ Emperor, and took an oath to preserve the life of the Pope, to defend his state, and be obedient to his authority in all things. Thus _Rome_ with its Duchy, including part of _Tuscany_ and part of _Campania_, revolted in the year 726, and became a free state under the government of the Senate of this city. The authority of the Senate in civil affairs was henceforward absolute, the authority of the Pope extending hitherto no farther than to the affairs of the Church only. At that time [6] the _Lombards_ also being zealous for the worship of images, and pretending to favour the cause of the Pope, invaded the cities of the Exarchate: and at length, viz. A.C. 752, took _Ravenna_, and put an end to the Exarchate. And this was the first of the three kingdoms which fell before the little horn.