Gudhjem, Denmark
ca. 1160
Rønne, Denmark
16th century
Aakirkeby, Denmark
12th century
Rønne, Denmark
12th century
Allinge, Denmark
14th century
Allinge, Denmark
12th century
Aakirkeby, Denmark
ca. 1165
Nexø, Denmark
ca. 1346
Hasle, Denmark
ca. 1460
Aakirkeby, Denmark
ca. 1100
Neksø, Denmark
ca. 1200
Rønne, Denmark
ca. 1150
Hasle, Denmark
13th century
Neksø, Denmark
ca. 1200
Svaneke, Denmark
12th 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.