Rome, Italy
c. 470 AD
Vahrn, Italy
1142
Rome, Italy
4th century AD
Altamura, Italy
1232-1254
Rome, Italy
1751
Innichen, Italy
1140
Padua, Italy
1551
Atrani, Italy
1274
Meran, Italy
1465
Venice, Italy
7th century
Palermo, Italy
1275
Milan, Italy
3th century AD
Varese, Italy
1604
Palermo, Italy
1191
Enna, Italy
1446
Vicenza, Italy
1482-1560
Brindisi, Italy
1743
Nago-torbole, Italy
12th century
Pavia, Italy
1374-1461
Troia, Italy
11th 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.