History Extra podcast
The 1453 fall of Constantinople: capturing the Byzantine capital
Jan 23, 2025
Join Professor Jonathan Harris, an expert on Byzantine history from Royal Holloway University, as he delves into the dramatic fall of Constantinople in 1453. Discover how the Byzantine Empire faced decline, allowing the ambitious Mehmed II to launch a strategic siege. Harris recounts the fierce battles and desperate fortifications as the city braced for the onslaught. The discussion also touches on the legends surrounding Emperor Constantine XI and the long-lasting implications this pivotal moment had on modern national identities in Greece and Turkey.
49:21
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Quick takeaways
- The decline of Constantinople, marked by ruined infrastructure and diminished population, set the stage for the Ottoman siege in 1453.
- Sultan Mehmed II's innovative military strategies and siege tactics ultimately led to the fall of Constantinople, transforming its legacy for centuries.
Deep dives
The Decline of Constantinople
In the years leading up to 1453, Constantinople experienced significant decline, with many of its once great buildings in ruins and its population diminished. The city, formerly a prosperous capital, had lost substantial territory to invading Turkish groups, particularly the Ottoman Turks, who capitalized on the weakened Byzantine Empire. The impressive structures that remained, such as Hagia Sophia, could not mask the fact that the glory days of Constantinople were long over. This decline set the stage for the eventual siege and the fall of the city to the Ottomans.
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