Fall of Constantinople

565 years ago today in 1453, the ancient city of Constantinople falls in a siege by the Ottoman Empire.

Constantinople was considered a jewel and bastion of Christendom. It served as the capital of the Byzantium Empire, which was the successor to the ancient Roman Empire. The city had withstood many sieges over the centuries and its fortifications were considered some of the best and most complex in the ancient and medieval worlds. However 200 years before this siege, Crusaders managed to take and sack the city which severely setback Byzantine civilization.

This would be the 3rd attempt to take the city in 50 years by the Ottomans. This time they brought over 80,000 men and more than 100 ships to face the defender’s roughly 10,000 soldiers and <30 ships. Unlike the previous sieges, the Ottomans also brought with them heavy cannons to bring down the fortifications.

The defenders heroically held out for 53 days, strategically holding certain walls and locations as the Ottomans destroyed them piecemeal. The Christian sailors were also able to keep the Ottomans from controlling the port in a series of naval engagements. Unfortunately for the defenders, no relief force came to save them. With the defenders being exhausted and stretched thin, the Ottomans managed to capture a small poster gate and were able to use it to overwhelm the last of the defenses.

The fate of Emperor Constantine XI is not certain and the last known sighting of him is being surrounded by his most loyal nobles and bodyguard. What is certain though is that Constantine had many offers to be able to escape the city and he refused. It is most likely that he and his men went out fighting in a last stand and his body was never recovered.

Constantinople is now named Istanbul and Christians never attempted to retake the city.

[Online References]

(https://www.ancient.eu/article/1180/1453-the-fall-of-constantinople/ )

(https://www.warhistoryonline.com/war-articles/fall-constantinople.html )

(https://www.britannica.com/event/Fall-of-Constantinople-1453 )

[Audiobook Reference]

1453:

The Holy War for Constantinople and the Clash of Islam and the West

By Roger Crowley

(https://www.audible.com/pd/History/1453-Audiobook/B01JB4JTUM )

Authored by R.E. Foy​