Nijmegen, Netherlands
c. 1000 AD
Utrecht, Netherlands
c. 1040
Arnhem, Netherlands
1450
Zwolle, Netherlands
1406-1466
Dordrecht, Netherlands
1285
Nijmegen, Netherlands
16th century
Middelburg, Netherlands
1127
Alkmaar, Netherlands
1470-1498
Deventer, Netherlands
1450-1525
Deventer, Netherlands
1198-1209
Utrecht, Netherlands
13th century
Hague, Netherlands
1397
Weert, Netherlands
1456
Amersfoort, Netherlands
1444
Utrecht, Netherlands
1248-1259
Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
c. 1370
Roermond, Netherlands
1410
Leeuwarden, Netherlands
1275-1310
Goes, Netherlands
15th century
Naarden, Netherlands
15th 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.