Metz, France
4th century AD
Auch, France
1489-1662
Arles, France
963 AD
Coutances, France
1210-1274
Noyon, France
1131-1185
Lyon, France
c. 1100
Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe, France
c. 1050
Azay-le-Rideau, France
9th century
Marmande, France
13th century
Saintes, France
1081-1096
L'Épine, France
1405-1527
Bordeaux, France
11th century
Soissons, France
1177
Saint-Gilles, France
7th century
Strasbourg, France
15th century
Le Thoronet, France
1176
Dax, France
13th century
Blois, France
1697
La Sauve, France
1079
Saumur, France
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.