The royal abbey of Saint-Michel-de Bois-Aubry illustrates the transition from hermitism (Hermit Roberto in the 11th century) to cenobitism (elevated to an abbey in 1138). Mentioned by Popes Eugene III and Alexander III, it survived the Hundred Years' War and was embellished under the reigns of Louis XI and Charles VIII.
After the abbacy of Charles de Ronsard (1544), the abbey endured the Wars of Religion, the French Revolution, and modern times. In 1978, an Orthodox monastic community undertook major restoration work (nave, rood screen, bell tower) before leaving in 2006. The ashes of Yul Brynner were interred here in 1990. A private site since 2006, the abbey remains a heritage treasure.
Built from tuffeau stone, the abbey blends Romanesque (12th century) and Gothic (14th-15th century) styles, featuring notable elements such as stone spire-topped bell tower (14th century), the abbey church, rood screen, cloister (12th century), chapter house with a Roman column (3rd 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.