Saint-Papoul, France
8th century
Neuwiller-lès-Saverne, France
11th century
Bernay, France
11th century
Lodève, France
c. 1265
Agen, France
12th century
Saumur, France
11th century
Aire-sur-l'Adour, France
12th century
Epfig, France
11th century
Lautenbach, France
11th century
Pontoise, France
12th century
Île d'Yeu, France
ca. 1040
La Romieu, France
1318
Collobrieres, France
1174
Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
1208
Cambrai, France
1696-1703
Saint-Lô, France
13th century
Crots, France
1142
Orléans, France
15th century
Laval, France
c. 1070
Calais, 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.