Iconoclasm refers to the rejection or destruction of religious images and icons, often due to the belief that they promote idolatry. This movement has appeared in various cultures and religions, notably during the Byzantine Empire in the 8th and 9th centuries, when the use of icons in worship was hotly debated. The term is also associated with the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when reformers like Martin Luther criticized the veneration of saints and religious images. Iconoclasm can lead to significant cultural and political changes, as it challenges established traditions and beliefs.