Rome, Italy
340 AD
Rome, Italy
13 BCE
Rome, Italy
311-314 AD
Rome, Italy
13 BC
Rome, Italy
16th century
Rome, Italy
120-80 BC
Rome, Italy
1583
Rome, Italy
1903
Rome, Italy
6th century BC
Rome, Italy
280 AD / 1585
Rome, Italy
18-12 BC
Rome, Italy
13th century
Rome, Italy
422-432
Rome, Italy
386 AD
Rome, Italy
212-127 AD
Rome, Italy
3rd century AD
Rome, Italy
822 AD
Rome, Italy
300-400 AD
Rome, Italy
4th century AD
Rome, Italy
c. 325 AD
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.