Erice, Italy
10-11th century AD
Castelmola, Italy
10th century AD
Catania, Italy
1239-1250
Lipari, Italy
16th century
Castelbuono, Italy
1316
Erice, Italy
12th century
Syracuse, Italy
1232-1240
Aci Castello, Italy
1076
Enna, Italy
10th century AD
Palermo, Italy
12th century
Donnafugata, Italy
15th century
Taormina, Italy
11th century
Caccamo, Italy
12th century
Scicli, Italy
13th century
Palermo, Italy
9th century AD
Modica, Italy
8th century AD
Gangi, Italy
14th century
Pantelleria, Italy
12th century
Santa Lucia del Mela, Italy
11th century
Savoca, 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.