The Fall of Constantinople

The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a major turning point in European history: a fierce battle in this crucial trading city ended with the demise of the Byzantine Empire and the ascendency of the Ottoman Empire, which dominated the region in the following centuries. This transfer of power is essential for understanding the modern era in Western Europe, and is seen by many historians as marking the end of the Middle Ages. In just 50 minutes, you will learn about the 53-day siege which finally caused the collapse of the Byzantine Empire and understand its major consequences in terms of trade and religion.

This straightforward and informative book provides a thorough discussion of the background to the Fall of Constantinople, the preparations for the combat and the main events of the battle. It also features biographies of the key commanders and leaders, including the influential Ottoman sultan Mehmet II, a valuable introduction to the social and political context and an evaluation of the battle’s impact, giving you all the essential information about the conquest of Byzantium.

About the Fall of Constantinople

By 1453, the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, had been standing for almost 1500 years. However, this once-mighty state was in decline, and the ambitious young Ottoman sultan Mehmet II wanted to put an end to Byzantine domination of the Bosphorus. By defeating Constantine XI’s empire, Mehmet II was able to control the commercial links between the East and West and remove the last Christian stronghold in the East.

This clear and accessible 43-page book is structured as follows:

• Introduction to the Fall of Constantinople
• Political and social context
  • Byzantium: an empire in agony
  • The turban, rather than the miter
  • The rise of the Ottoman Empire
  • Constantinople: the dream of Mehmet II
• Commanders and leaders
  • Constantine XI of Palaiologos, Byzantine Emperor
  • Mehmet II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire
• Analysis of the battle
  • Preparations
  • The hope amidst the firing
  • The feat of the Golden Horn
  • The final attack
• Impact of the battle
  • A city transformed forever
  • The end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of the Ottoman golden age
  • The end of the Middle Ages?
• Summary