Hump Day History

 

The fall of Constantinople occurred on this day in 1453, marking an end of the Middle Ages.

The Ottoman Empire defeated the Byzantine, and many scholars fled to Italy, bringing their knowledge and laying the groundwork for a revival of ideas - the Renaissance.

The Islamic world had already been living its "Golden Age," with cities like Cairo and Baghdad becoming centers for learning, where thousands of books were written and many ancient texts translated into Arabic.

In the above painting, we see the Walls of Constantinople, or Theodosian Walls.  These were considered the strongest and most fortified walls of the ancient and medieval era.  But the Ottomans had gunpowder, and were able to repeatedly fire massive cannonballs which created gaps.

You can clearly see, now in Istanbul, that restoration has been done.

Emperor Constantine XI needed to protect from a naval attack as well, and ordered a defensive chain be placed at the mouth of the Golden Horn.  

On May 21, Mehmed the Conqueror offered to recognize the emperor as governor of the Pelopponnese if he would surrender the city.  He even guaranteed the safety of any who might choose to remain.  Constantine agreed to to pay higher tributes to the sultan and to recognize the Turks' conquered castles, but responded:

"As to surrendering the city to you, it is not for me to decide or anyone else of its citizens; for all of us have reached the mutual decision to die of our own free will, without any regard for our lives."

When the Ottomans made it through the walls and into the city, it is said that Constantine led the charge, perishing in the ensuing battle.  (Another account claims he hanged himself when they came through the San Romano Gate).

Istanbul was the common name for the city in Turkish even before the conquest, but in official use it was called Kostantiniyye.  The Ottoman constitution of 1876 refers to Istanbul as the capital city, but it wasn't officially changed until 1930.