On This Day in 1453: The Fall of Constantinople

·

The 29th of May, 1453, marks the end to one of the longest-lasting Medieval powers and the beginning of centuries of Greek oppression. The Byzantine Empire, an extension of the Roman Empire, fell almost two months into grappling against an Ottoman siege. Constantinople, the centre of the Byzantine Empire, is today known as Turkey’s major city Instanbul. The Greek Herald looks back on how the Ottomans captured Constantinople and the repercussions it had for Greek life and culture. 

The first Christian capital: Constantinople had been the seat of the Byzantine Empire since 330 AD. 

The Byzantine Empire had been the cradle of Roman civilisation since 330 AD but had slowly dwindled in population and size since. It was once a super-power but centuries of constant warfare and conflict over the East-West schism (1054) in the Christian church had torn the empire apart. It continued to shrink through to 1450, where it was just surrounded Constantinople by a few square kilometres. 

Photo: Wikipedia Commons

Constantinople was the seat of Imperial Power when Constantine the Great, the first Christian Roman emperor, declared it his capital. The city had been targeted several times before, falling only once during the Fourth Crusade in 1204, but eventually became threatened by a massive army led by Sultan Mehmed II, who was hellbent on making the capital his new seat of power. Why? Constantinople was not only a bastion holding against Muslim control of the eastern Mediterranean, but it was also the gateway to eastern Europe. Constantinople marks the crossroads between Europe and Asia Minor and it’s fall would allow Ottoman expansion into the continent and leave it’s mostly secular states vulnerable to attack. Rome, which was the last of five major cities not under Ottoman control, was particularly vulnerable. So much so, Nicholas V put out a crusade to retake Constantinople from the Ottomans. 

The Ottomans had conquered most of the Balkans and Anatolia dating back to the 14th century. Mehmed II intended to fulfil his father’s vision of the Ottoman Empire’s expansion. Mehmed II and the Byzantine Emperor, Constantine XI Palaeologus, were rallying support ahead of a massive blow-out between the two Empires. 

The Battle 

The battle saw both lead impressive armies, but one slightly larger than the other. 50 to 80 thousand Ottomans descended on 7 to 10 thousand Byzantines; an army a fraction the size of theirs. The Ottomans were also well-equiped with cannons and artillery. The Byzantines, on the other hand, had one of the strongest sets of fortified walls in existence. This, however, was only enough to hold back the Ottomans for fifty-five days until they finally suceeding in their siege. 

The death toll of Byzantine’s was staggering. It is estimated that four thousand Byzantine soldiers died while battling the Ottomans, and a further 30,000 were enslaved in the aftermath. The Ottoman death toll is unknown but is assumed to have been substantial. 

The fall of Constantinople is considered to be one of the most important events in human history. 

To some historians, it marks the end of the Medieval Period, and to others, the long, drawn-out fall of the Roman Empire. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From passports to tax reform: Loverdos sets agenda ahead of Australia visit

Loverdos has confirmed that he will be visiting Australia from 8 to 26 October, acknowledging the government’s absence from the country.

‘I’m not done yet’: Ange Postecoglou reflects on heritage and coaching dreams

Ange Postecoglou sat down with The Greek Herald to reflect on his philosophy and his cultural heritage. Read the interview here.

Heritage NSW inspects Paragon Café as emergency works get underway

The Paragon Café in Katoomba has taken its first meaningful steps toward preservation following a recent on-site inspection by Heritage NSW.

Māori-Greek artist’s tribute to ancestors lights up Manhattan billboard

Māori-Greek artist Jimmy James Kouratoras has made a striking return to New York, with his painting Hei Tiki – For the Love of Our Ancestors.

Extraordinary Australians wanted for nation’s highest award

Now is the time to give recognition by nominating who you think should be considered for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

You May Also Like

Customs and traditions in celebration of Panagia

On August 15th, Greek Orthodox Christians across the world celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Commonly referred to as 'Panagia' and 'Dekapentavgoustos', meaning 'August...

11 Australians of Greek heritage named on the prestigious ‘Richest 250’ list

The Australian has released its list of Australia's 250 wealthiest individuals and among the names are 11 Australians of Greek heritage.

James Dalamangas is still one of Australia’s most wanted criminals

Greek Australian criminal, James Dalamangas, is still one of Australia's most wanted criminals after 20 years.