Braga, Portugal
16th century
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
1904-1959
Braga, Portugal
1863
Braga, Portugal
16th century
Braga, Portugal
1060
Vila Real, Portugal
1424
Sintra, Portugal
13th century
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
1576
Caminha, Portugal
1488-1566
Sintra, Portugal
1560
Braga, Portugal
1653
Ponte da Barca, Portugal
c. 1080
Melgaço, Portugal
13th century
Monção, Portugal
12th century
Paredes de Coura, Portugal
12th century
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
12th century
Braga, Portugal
7th century AD
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
1773
Braga, Portugal
18th century
Póvoa de Lanhoso, Portugal
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.