Hünenberg, Switzerland
12th century
Küsnacht, Switzerland
11th century
Sennwald, Switzerland
c. 1200
Herdern, Switzerland
13th century
Surpierre, Switzerland
13th century
Auenstein, Switzerland
13th century
Brunegg, Switzerland
13th century
Oberflachs, Switzerland
c. 1200
Teufenthal, Switzerland
12th century
Landquart, Switzerland
c. 1235
Arosa, Switzerland
13th century
Cazis, Switzerland
12th century
Rothenbrunnen, Switzerland
c. 1250
Untervaz, Switzerland
13th century
Thusis, Switzerland
13th century
Pratval, Switzerland
13th century
Churwalden, Switzerland
12th century
Malans, Switzerland
13th century
Oberbipp, Switzerland
13th century
Lauperswil, Switzerland
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.