Why did they have iconoclasm?

Iconoclasm arose from deep theological and political disputes, particularly within Christianity, regarding the use and veneration of religious images. Proponents believed that icons distracted from the worship of God and could lead to idolatry, while opponents viewed them as essential for teaching and expressing faith. The movement was notably prominent during the Byzantine Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries, reflecting broader tensions between different factions within the church and society. These conflicts often had significant cultural and political ramifications, influencing art, worship practices, and state authority.