Icons were used in the Byzantine Empire because people felt as though they needed a picture in their mind of how some one or something looked relating to their religion. An icon is a representation of sacred persons or events usually represented in a mural painting, mosaic or painted on a small wooden pane. Icons were good in showing an image in one's mind, but it started a fight that would soon impact the Byzantine empire drastically.
Some people believed that icons did not help people create images, but they were being worshiped as gods. At that time, the people who believed that were part of the minority and it didn't make that big of an impact on the community. But as the opinions spread, citizens took their sides and started to fight against each other. For decades these fights were not seized. After many fights, Icons were finally not allowed anymore. No single person could have them / worship them.
Icons are still used today, but there is not much controversy. People can have it when they go to their churches if they would like, or at home but not many Icons are shown in public because it shows others your religion and it may insult others.
