The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 Ended the European Middle Ages and Sealed the Rise of the Ottomans
History Unplugged Podcast
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The Battle of Constantinople
The Ottoman Empire would never be secure until it held Constantinople. Mehmet was aware that previous sieges of Constantinople failed, because the city was attacked from the landward side only. So as Mehmet clearly saw it, it was vital to assemble not only a land but a naval force. He appreciated the importance of sea power, and he gave this special attention. In the spring of 1453, an armada commanded by a Bulgarian admiral sailed up from Gallipoli to cruise in the Sea of Marmara. The Byzantines realized to their surprise and consternation that the Ottomans had acquired a fleet which outnumbered their own five times over.
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