Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, France
15th century
Rives-d'Autise, France
c. 1069
Le Mans, France
1229
Luçon, France
11th century
Varengeville-sur-Mer, France
1548
Fontaine-Chaalis, France
1136
Sauveterre-de-Béarn, France
12th century
Mantes-la-Jolie, France
c. 1155
Gueberschwihr, France
12th century
Vaison-la-Romaine, France
11th century
Trizay, France
11th century
Montreuil, France
12th century
Finistère, France
482 AD
Germigny-des-Prés, France
806 AD
Cernay-la-Ville, France
1118
Chaumont, France
13th century
Codalet, France
879 AD
Le Bec-Hellouin, France
1034
Neuwiller-lès-Saverne, France
12th century
Sées, France
13th 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.