Vicenza, Italy
1435
Belluno, Italy
1517-1624
Lecco, Italy
11th century
Barletta, Italy
1267
Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
1158
Piazza Armerina, Italy
1604-1719
Rome, Italy
467 AD
Verona, Italy
16th century
Brescia, Italy
13th century
Cernobbio, Italy
1758-1775
Lucera, Italy
1317
Codrongianos, Italy
1116
Aosta, Italy
11th century
Syracuse, Italy
c. 1100
San Benedetto Po, Italy
1007
Padula, Italy
1306
Biella, Italy
17th century
Avellino, Italy
1132-1166
Syracuse, Italy
1st century AD
Tindari, Italy
1953
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.