Explore the historic highlights of Ávila
Ávila, Spain
11th century
Ávila, Spain
1091
Ávila, Spain
c. 1120
Ávila, Spain
12th century
Ávila, Spain
12th century
Ávila, Spain
1629
Ávila, Spain
1130-1160
Ávila, Spain
1482-1493
Ávila, Spain
16th century
Ávila, Spain
1562
Ávila, Spain
1210
Ávila, Spain
1350
Ávila, Spain
1478
Ávila, Spain
12th century
Ávila, Spain
12th century
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.