Schwarzenburg, Switzerland
12th century
Bern, Switzerland
13th century
Kandergrund, Switzerland
12th century
Münsingen, Switzerland
1550
Wimmis, Switzerland
13th century
Riggisberg, Switzerland
1700
Schlosswil, Switzerland
12th century
Amsoldingen, Switzerland
10th century AD
Thun, Switzerland
13th century
Trachselwald, Switzerland
11th century
Bern, Switzerland
13th century
Worb, Switzerland
12th century
Gals, Switzerland
1270-1300
Burgistein, Switzerland
14th century
Meiringen, Switzerland
c. 1250
Weissenburg, Switzerland
13th century
Signau, Switzerland
12th century
Sumiswald, Switzerland
1730
Thunstetten, Switzerland
1711
Allmendingen, Switzerland
17th 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.