Iconoclasm is the rejection or destruction of religious images and icons. This practice often arises from the belief that such images can lead to idolatry, where people worship the images instead of the divine. Iconoclasm has occurred in various cultures and religions throughout history, notably during the Byzantine Empire and the Protestant Reformation. The term "iconoclast" refers to individuals or movements that oppose the use of religious images. Iconoclasm can also extend to the destruction of symbols associated with political or cultural authority. This phenomenon reflects deeper societal conflicts and shifts in belief systems, influencing art, culture, and religion.