The 1453 Fall of Constantinople: Capturing the Byzantine Capital

Podcast: History Extra Podcast
Host: Emily Brifitt
Guest: Professor Jonathan Harris, Professor of the History of Byzantium at Royal Holloway University of London
Release Date: January 23, 2025

1. Introduction

In this compelling episode of the History Extra Podcast, host Emily Brifitt welcomes Professor Jonathan Harris to delve into the dramatic fall of Constantinople in 1453. This event not only marked the end of over a millennium of Byzantine rule but also signaled the rise of the Ottoman Empire, reshaping the course of history.

2. The Glory and Decline of Constantinople

Professor Harris begins by painting a vivid picture of Constantinople before its fall. He explains, “If you'd been there, then, yes, there was hundreds of churches and monasteries, great palaces, opulence and wealth everywhere, booming trade” (02:12). However, by the early 15th century, the city’s former grandeur had waned. The once-mighty Byzantine Empire had been eroded over centuries, particularly since the mid-14th century when Turkish invaders began encroaching on Byzantine territories.

Professor Harris identifies key factors leading to this decline:

• Military Losses: The Byzantine Empire lost significant territories to Turkish groups like the Seljuks and Osmanli Turks.
• Internal Strife: Constant power struggles weakened the empire from within.
• Economic Struggles: Trade routes shifted, and the empire struggled to maintain its economic base.

3. The Rise of the Ottoman Empire and Sultan Mehmed II

The narrative shifts to the emergence of the Ottoman Empire under the ambitious young Sultan Mehmed II. Professor Harris notes, “Mehmed is absolutely determined to do it” (12:47), highlighting Mehmed's relentless drive to capture Constantinople. Unlike his predecessors, Mehmed II was strategic and meticulous in his preparations, learning from past failed sieges.

4. Preparations for the Siege

Professor Harris outlines Mehmed II’s comprehensive strategy to overcome Constantinople’s formidable defenses:

• Controlling the Bosphorus: Mehmed constructed a massive fortress on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, effectively sealing off the city’s maritime access. A notable moment occurs when a Venetian ship attempts to breach this blockade, only to be sunk by Ottoman cannon fire (10:15).
• Assembling a Massive Fleet: Recognizing the need for a robust naval presence, Mehmed rapidly built a fleet of 300 ships at Gallipoli, ensuring a complete blockade of the city.
• Employing Advanced Weaponry: Capitalizing on a significant advantage, Mehmed acquired a colossal cannon from a Hungarian engineer, capable of breaching the impregnable Theodosian Walls (10:15).

5. The Siege of Constantinople

Professor Harris provides a detailed account of the siege itself:

• Initial Bombardment: In early April 1453, Mehmed’s forces began bombarding the city’s walls. The defenders, led by the experienced Giovanni Giustiniani, countered effectively by reinforcing breaches with piles of earth, which neutralized the cannon’s impact (16:27).

• The Genoese Counterattack: Despite the blockade, four Genoese ships managed to pierce the Ottoman fleet and deliver crucial supplies to Constantinople. However, the Ottomans soon retaliated by circumventing a defensive chain in the Golden Horn, allowing their ships to enter and stretch the city's defenses thin (18:50).

• Night Assault and Final Breakthrough: On the night of May 28th, Mehmed launched a decisive attack. Utilizing his elite Janissary troops, he orchestrated a breakthrough despite initial resistance from Christian allies. A pivotal moment occurred when an Ottoman soldier hoisted the Ottoman flag atop a tower, signaling the city’s fall (24:51).

6. The Aftermath

The fall of Constantinople had immediate and brutal consequences:

• Mass Plunder and Rape: Following the city’s capture, Ottoman forces engaged in three days of widespread plundering, a common medieval practice when a city resisted assault.
• Fate of Emperor Constantine XI: The emperor was likely killed during the assault, with legends emerging that he might still be alive, akin to the mythical King Arthur (29:47).

Professor Harris emphasizes the extent of the Ottoman victory: “There’s literally nothing to stop them” (27:21), highlighting the total collapse of Byzantine resistance.

7. Consequences for Empires

Professor Harris discusses the broader implications:

• End of the Byzantine Empire: While the empire had effectively ceased to exist for a century, the fall of Constantinople symbolized its definitive end.
• Rise of the Ottoman Empire: Mehmed II’s conquest elevated the Ottomans from a regional power to a dominant empire, positioning Mehmed as a universal leader and heir to the Byzantine legacy (34:57).

8. Ripple Effects and Legacy

The podcast explores how the fall reverberated across Europe:

• European Despair and Calls for Crusade: News of Constantinople’s fall spread rapidly, causing widespread panic and calls for a crusade to reclaim the city (35:04).
• Catalyst for Exploration: While often attributed to spurring the Age of Discovery, Professor Harris argues that the relationship between the fall and explorations like those of Columbus and Vasco da Gama is more nuanced (38:16).
• Modern Resonance: The legacy of the fall continues to influence contemporary geopolitics and cultural identities, particularly in Greece and Turkey. The transformation of Hagia Sophia from a cathedral to a mosque, then a museum, and back to a mosque mirrors the enduring impact of 1453 (40:14).

9. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Professor Harris reflecting on the enduring significance of the fall of Constantinople. He asserts that while it was undeniably a watershed moment for the Ottoman Empire, its broader historical impact is often overstated. Nonetheless, the event remains a pivotal chapter in world history, symbolizing the end of an era and the dawn of a new imperial power.

Notable Quotes

• Professor Jonathan Harris (02:12):
  “The glory days of Constantinople had really been between about 324 when it was founded by the Roman emperor Constantine, and up to about 1204 when it had really been the capital of a great Empire.”

• Professor Jonathan Harris (10:15):
  “He builds another [fortress] opposite it, much bigger... and it's built for cannon.”

• Professor Jonathan Harris (24:51):
  “Mehmed has achieved what he wants because now the defenders... have to garrison the walls along the Golden Horn.”

• Professor Jonathan Harris (34:57):
  “Mehmed is to some extent seeing himself now as the heir of the Caesars.”

• Professor Jonathan Harris (38:16):
  “Sometimes it's a bit overstated. One of the things you often hear people say is that the fall of Constantinople somehow created the Italian Renaissance.”

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a thorough exploration of one of history’s most significant events. Through Professor Harris's expert analysis, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors leading to the fall of Constantinople, the meticulous preparations of Mehmed II, the harrowing siege, and the profound consequences that followed. It underscores the enduring legacy of 1453, illustrating how past events continue to shape our present world.

Produced by: Jackson Bateman
Further Listening: For those intrigued by this episode, consider exploring Professor Harris’s other works, including The Lost World of Byzantium and Byzantium and the Crusades.