Why Constantinople Was Impossible to Conquer (Until 1453)

For over a thousand years, the walls of Constantinople stopped every invader. Then, in 1453, 21-year-old Sultan Mehmed II arrived with a giant cannon, a massive army, and a plan to carry ships over land. In this animated history documentary, we explore how the last great center of the Roman Empire fell after a 53-day siege. In this video: Why Constantinople was the most defended city in the world The Theodosian Walls and how they worked Emperor Constantine XI and the last days of the Byzantine Empire Urban's giant cannon and Mehmed's rise The chain across the Golden Horn and the ships hauled over land Giovanni Giustiniani and the defense of the walls The final assault on May 29, 1453 and the fall of the city Historical note: Some details of the siege, including army sizes, the Kerkoporta gate, and the fate of Emperor Constantine XI, are debated among historians. Where sources disagree, we say so in the video. If you enjoy animated history, subscribe for more stories from the ancient and medieval world. #Constantinople #Byzantine #History