Explore the historic highlights of Pavia
Pavia, Italy
1488
Pavia, Italy
1773
Pavia, Italy
1360
Pavia, Italy
1374-1461
Pavia, Italy
11th century
Pavia, Italy
1500-1507
Pavia, Italy
1132
Pavia, Italy
8th century AD
Pavia, Italy
12th century
Pavia, Italy
11th century
Pavia, Italy
1325
The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.
Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.