Herten, Germany
14th century
Selm, Germany
1122
Stolberg (Rheinland), Germany
13th century
Kleve, Germany
1345-1355
Herne, Germany
before 1243
Kranenburg, Germany
15th century
Steinfurt, Germany
12th century
Attendorn, Germany
13th century
Borken, Germany
13th century
Blankenheim, Germany
c. 1115
Erkelenz, Germany
14th century
Hellenthal, Germany
12th century
Ratingen, Germany
1276
Altwindeck, Germany
12th century
Essen, Germany
1647
Lüdinghausen, Germany
12th century
Brüggen, Germany
13th century
Hattingen, Germany
1227-1243
Langerwehe, Germany
13th century
Blomberg, Germany
13th 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.