Moscow, Russia
15th century
Moscow, Russia
1924
Moscow, Russia
1555-1560
Moscow, Russia
Moscow, Russia
14th century
Moscow, Russia
1475-1479
Moscow, Russia
1484
Moscow, Russia
1505-1508
Moscow, Russia
1505-1508
Moscow, Russia
1484
Moscow, Russia
1837-1849
Moscow, Russia
1839-1883
Moscow, Russia
1825
Moscow, Russia
1508
Moscow, Russia
1532
Moscow, Russia
1953
Moscow, Russia
1591
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.