Potenza, Italy
1783-1799
Como, Italy
1050-1095
Borgo Lussari, Italy
16th century
Gravina in Puglia, Italy
11th century
Milan, Italy
770 AD
Provaglio d'Iseo, Italy
11th century
Venice, Italy
1717
Alessandria, Italy
1807-1810
Santa Margherita Ligure, Italy
1361
Turin, Italy
1645
Scicli, Italy
1752
Bovino, Italy
1936
Bergamo, Italy
13th century
Montescaglioso, Italy
11th century
Corigliano-Rossano, Italy
11th century
Viboldone, Italy
1176
Lodi, Italy
1159
Porto Torres, Italy
11th century
Brindisi, Italy
1099
Atella, Italy
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.