Marssum, Netherlands
16th century
's-Graveland, Netherlands
1654
Werkhoven, Netherlands
1835-1862
Veenklooster, Netherlands
17th century
Ezinge, Netherlands
15th century
Wedde, Netherlands
1362
Maarssenbroek, Netherlands
1825
Ysbrechtum, Netherlands
1620-1625
Jelsum, Netherlands
14th century
Hague, Netherlands
1645
Doetinchem, Netherlands
1656
Niebert, Netherlands
1400
Sexbierum, Netherlands
1862
Den Ham, Netherlands
1633
Hegebeintum, Netherlands
19th century
Uithuizermeeden, Netherlands
1710
Nijmegen, Netherlands
14th 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.