Rhenen, Netherlands
15th century
Grou, Netherlands
13th century
Ouddorp, Netherlands
1348
Harderwijk, Netherlands
14th century
Bolsward, Netherlands
1281
Boazum, Netherlands
12th century
Rosmalen, Netherlands
c. 1300
Bedum, Netherlands
c. 1050
Deinum, Netherlands
13th century
Jorwert, Netherlands
12th century
Wyns, Netherlands
1200
Damwâld, Netherlands
12th century
Damwâld, Netherlands
1200
Dronrijp, Netherlands
1504
Oudega, Netherlands
12th century
Bears, Netherlands
13th century
Burgum, Netherlands
c. 1100
Susteren, Netherlands
714 AD
Rinsumageast, Netherlands
11th century
Jistrum, Netherlands
c. 1230
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.