Ancient site · Monument
Theodosian Walls of Constantinople
The Theodosian Walls protected the land side of Constantinople (today Istanbul), the new capital of the Roman Empire. Building began around 405 CE and was finished in 413 under Emperor Theodosius II.
Most scholars think a second, outer wall and a moat were added after an earthquake in 447. They were the last great fortification system of the ancient world. For a thousand years they held off attackers, until the Ottoman Turks took the city in 1453. Long stretches still stand.
- Dates
- c. 405–413 CE; defended the city until 1453
- Still standing
- Yes
- UNESCO World Heritage
- Yes
- Location
- 41.02° N, 28.93° E
How we know
Roman law codes and an inscription found in 1993 record the building of the walls.
Nearby sites
- Troy (Hisarlik) c. 3600 BCE – c. 500 CE
- Varna Necropolis c. 4570–4340 BCE
- Hattusa c. 2000–1190 BCE (Hittite capital from c. 1650 BCE)
- Çatalhöyük c. 7100–5600 BCE
- Sesklo c. 7000–4400 BCE (earliest levels possibly older)
- Acropolis of Athens (Parthenon) Parthenon 447–432 BCE; damaged 1687