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The Ottoman army, led by Mehmed, outnumbered the defenders of Constantinople. The legendary city has long passed its heyday. The fall of the Byzantine Empire seems imminent.

The dramatic final battle of the city in May 1453


In its history of more than 1000 years, the city of Constantinople has been besieged many times. But all attempts to conquer fail. The Theodosian Wall, a marvel of fortification consisting of multiple walls, moats, and towers, seems impregnable. Slings cannot damage the huge shield.

Sultan Mehmed II has huge bronze cannons which are an absolute novelty. Although balls have tremendous destructive power, they are difficult to handle due to their weight. They also need to be cooled after each shot. Defenders use these truces to repair damage to the fortification wall. They also quickly put an end to the attempts of the Ottomans to undermine themselves with clever tactics.

Sultan Mehmed’s last leverage is the Janissaries, an elite military force. Both sides know that in this war, the fate of the entire Byzantine Empire is at stake. The city fell on May 29, 1453. Their fall is historically considered the fall of the Byzantine Empire and marks the rise of the Ottoman Empire.

Impregnable! castles of power

Massive walls and impressive defense systems often make medieval castles impregnable – yet epic battles, sieges and conquests happen again and again.

The series brings to life the fortifications in the Mediterranean region from the 12th to the 16th centuries, often telling their dramatic stories with compelling footage. How were these strongholds defended? And why did you still manage to get them?

Source: ZDF

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