Throughout the centuries, the walls of Constantinople, Istanbul have been witness to horrors, histories and paranormal activities. Get ready to dive into the dark side of this ancient city and explore why the walls regarded by many as historically important have been shrouded in mystery and suspense.
Horror Story of Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul
The ancient walls of Constantinople, Istanbul, have long held a dark secret. Long ago, a powerful demon was sealed away to protect the city from its wrath. For time stretched on, and slowly the tales of the powerful demon were forgotten.
Years later, a group of adventurers were foolish enough to venture deep into the uncharted ruins of suburbia and stumble upon the sealed entrance to the city within the walls. Forcing their way through the gates, they quickly realized their mistake and were seized by an unnatural fear that followed them every step.
As they continued forward, they cursed the darkness that seemed to move with them. They could feel an oppressive energy radiating from the walls and shadows that seemed to move as they walked. Moments later, a deep voice sounded from the depths of the darkness. It was the voice of the sealed demon, claiming its freedom.
Fleeing for their lives, the adventurers were plagued by strange and terrifying events – monstrous creatures that emerged from the shadows and cursed words appearing on the walls – until they miraculously made it back to the city.
Since that fateful day, the walls have been home to an ancient evil, an evil that can still be felt when you explore its eerie streets alone.
History & Information of Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul
The walls of Constantinople, built around the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey), were defensive fortifications of immense strategic importance for the defense of the capital of the Byzantine Empire for nearly 1,000 years. First built by Constantine the Great around 330 AD, and constantly improved and updated, the walls were last expanded and maintained in the mid-15th century, and were eventually destroyed by Sultan Mehmed II in 1453 following the Siege of Constantinople.
Constructed of mainly brick and mortar, the walls included a main wall and many outer walls, connecting various points along the coastline of the city. Most of the walls were reinforced by towers and gatehouses. Some sections still remain today, including the small section of land walls running through Istanbul's Fatih (historically known as Constantinople) district. The walls were over 6.5 kilometers in length and roughly 4.5 meters wide, and topped with towers measuring between 6 and 18 meters at various points along the wall.
The Walls of Constantinople had been attacked numerous times throughout history, notably by the Avars and Slavs in the 7th century and 11th century, and by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, yet up until the siege by the Ottomans in 1453, the walls had held them off, so much so that they were also known as the "Walls of St. Sophia". During the siege, the walls resisted multiple assaults by the Ottoman Turks, and the defenders managed to hold their positions for 53 days. The walls eventually fell on 29 May 1453, after Sultan Mehmed II used powerful siege weaponry and cannons to breach the walls and launch a successful surprise attack on its defenders.
The fall of the walls marked the decline of the once-mighty Byzantine Empire, as its capital city came into the hands of the Ottoman Turks. The walls became a symbol of Ottoman victory, and Sultan Mehmed II erected his palace near the walls. Though no longer standing, the walls are now an important part of Istanbul's history and a popular tourist destination.
Paranomial Activity of Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul
The walls of Constantinople, Istanbul, have played an important role in the history of the city. Throughout centuries, its strategically located walls played an active part in several military clashes, providing protection to the Byzantine capital and repelling enemy sieges. It was the largest city wall to have been constructed in Europe throughout the Middle Ages and is thought to have been almost impenetrable.
The first set of walls was built by the Byzantines in the fourth century CE. These walls were reinforced and improved upon by the emperor Theodosius II in the fifth century CE. He constructed a double wall around the city with a moat in between them. This wall was destroyed by an earthquake in 447 CE but was rebuilt in the reign of Emperor Anastasius I in the sixth century. This wall was further reinforced with the addition of about a hundred towers and numerous gates.
In 717 CE, the city was besieged by the Umayyads from the Arab World and the Theodosian walls were breached. Byzantine emperor Leo III the Isaurian ordered the construction of a new set of walls, known as the Theodosian Land Walls. These new walls had 105 towers and eleven gates, and they stretched for 4.5 km around Constantinople.
In 1204, Constantinople was taken by the Crusaders during the Fourth Crusade, and in 1261, the city was regained by the Byzantine emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos. He improved upon the former defenses of the city and built the famous Theodosian sea walls, to protect against naval attacks. The walls were fortified further in the 14th and 15th centuries and they remained largely impenetrable until the Ottoman Turks finally breached them in 1453, ending the Byzantine Empire.
The walls of Constantinople are a testament to the strategic importance of the city throughout the ages. Its walls have seen many battles and sieges, and they have been essential in protecting the city from enemy attacks. They remain a reminder of the political and cultural history of the city and are a great tourist attraction.
Experience of people & Reviews of Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul
People generally have positive experiences when visiting the Walls of Constantinople in Istanbul. Most agree that they are an impressive and awe-inspiring sight to behold. Some have noted that the walls are very well preserved and in great condition considering their age, with detailed brickwork and stunning mosaics, as well as several brick towers and other structures still standing. Visitors often appreciate the detailed explanations of the history of the city provided by the guides as they tour the walls. Many also make a point of visiting the walls during sunset and sunrise to witness the sublime views across the city. Overall, most visitors regard the Walls of Constantinople as one of the top must-see attractions in Istanbul.
FAQ'S of Walls of Constantinople, Istanbul
Q1: What is the history behind the walls of Constantinople?
A1: The walls of Constantinople, the famous fortification system of the Byzantine Empire that protected the city of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul, Turkey) for over 1000 years, were built between the 4th and 15th centuries. Construction began under the Emperor Constantine the Great in 324 CE and continued into the Ottoman period.
Q2: How long did the walls of Constantinople last?
A2: The walls of Constantinople lasted for more than 1,000 years. Construction began in 324 CE under Emperor Constantine the Great and the wall system was completed sometime in the 15th century.
Q3: What were the Walls of Constantinople used for?
A3: The walls of Constantinople served to protect the city from invasion and also served as a symbol of the Byzantine Empire's power and endurance. The walls created a defensive boundary that was nearly impenetrable until the fall of the empire in 1453.
Q4: What was the physical size of the walls?
A4: The walls of Constantinople totaled approximately 5.5 km (3.4 miles) in length and had multiple layers of walls and towers that varied in height from 10 to 40 meters (33 to 131 feet).