Taranto, Italy
1496
Otranto, Italy
1228
Bari, Italy
1132
Monopoli, Italy
16th century
Gallipoli, Italy
13th century
Andria, Italy
1240
Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy
837 AD
Conversano, Italy
11th century
Vieste, Italy
11th century
Ceglie Messapica, Italy
1070-1100
Mesagne, Italy
1430
Grottaglie, Italy
15th century
Barletta, Italy
1225-1228
Trani, Italy
1230
Lucera, Italy
1233
Manfredonia, Italy
13th century
Castro, Italy
13th century
Oria, Italy
1225-1233
San Vito dei Normanni, Italy
11
Bovino, Italy
11th 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.