Riga, Latvia
13th century
Riga, Latvia
ca. 1334
Riga, Latvia
1209
Riga, Latvia
1971
Riga, Latvia
1211
Riga, Latvia
13th century
Riga, Latvia
1225
Riga, Latvia
1931-1935
Riga, Latvia
1497-1515
Riga, Latvia
1876-1883
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.