Soulac-sur-Mer, France
11th century
Paris, France
1637
Vienne, France
6th century
Canigou, France
1005-1009
Bordeaux, France
1451
Lagrasse, France
779 AD
Lescar, France
1120
Troyes, France
16th century
Blaye, France
7th century AD
Vienne, France
11th century
Caunes-Minervois, France
8th century
Valence-sur-Baïse, France
1151
Villeveyrac, France
1138
Penne, France
13th century
Nantes, France
1846
La Flotte, France
12th century
Mende, France
14th century
Ganagobie, France
10th century AD
Cerisy-la-Forêt, France
1032
Metz, France
1248
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.