Orkesta Church, Vallentuna, Sweden

Orkesta Church in Vallentuna was built in the late 12th century and the the eastern part of original nave remains. The sacristy and southern nave were added in the 15th century. The round window was added in 1750.

The crucifix was carved between 1325-1350. The rococo style pulpit was added during the restoration in 1753. The external wooden belfry was erected in the 17th century.

According a legend, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden was born in the church. The near Lindholmen farm was owned by Vasa family in the late Middle Ages.

Orkesta Runestones

The Orkesta Runestones are a set of 11th-century runestones engraved in Old Norse with the Younger Futhark alphabet that are located at the church of Orkesta.

Several of the stones were raised by, or in memory of, the Swedish Viking Ulf of Borresta, who during the 11th century returned home three times with danegeld. The leaders of the three expeditions were Skagul Toste (Tosti), Thorkell the Tall (Þorketill), and Canute the Great (Knútr). This Ulfr also made the Risbyle Runestones in the same region, and he was mentioned on the lost runestone U 343.

Walls of Constantinople

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.

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