Stallarholmen, Sweden
12th century
Ljugarn, Sweden
13th century
Hemse, Sweden
12th century
Uppsala, Sweden
c. 1500
Näs, Sweden
13th century
Sproge, Sweden
13th century
Uppsala, Sweden
12th century
Borås, Sweden
ca. 1500
Gotland, Sweden
12th century
Ystad, Sweden
12th century
Glanshammar, Sweden
13th century
Stora Mellösa, Sweden
12th century
Borghamn, Sweden
12th century
Hackås, Sweden
12th century
Uddevalla, Sweden
12th century
Brastad, Sweden
13th century
Dalum, Sweden
12th century
Sjuntorp, Sweden
14th century
Visby, Sweden
c. 1200
Simrishamn, Sweden
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.