Oviedo, Spain
790s AD
Oviedo, Spain
781 AD
Oviedo, Spain
9th century AD
Oviedo, Spain
761 AD
Oviedo, Spain
848 AD
Oviedo, Spain
9th century AD
Oviedo, Spain
c. 830 AD
Villaviciosa, Spain
893 AD
Oviedo, Spain
842 AD
Cangas de Onís, Spain
737 AD
Lena, Spain
852 AD
Bendones, Spain
792-842 AD
Les Regueres, Spain
9th century AD
Villaviciosa, Spain
921 AD
Pravia, Spain
774-783 AD
Tuñón, Spain
891 AD
Colunga, Spain
9th century AD
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.