The Fall of Constantinople (Pivotal Moments in History)

How did the loss of one city change the history of Europe? In the Middle Ages, Constantinople's perfect geographic location--positioned along a land trade route between Europe and Asia as well as on a strategic seaway from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean-- made the city extremely desirous, and as a result, prone to attack. Under the control of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, Constantinople became known as "the Eye of the World," a center of government, trade, art, religion, and learning, and was even more desirous. Rulers built three sets of walls to protect Constantinople from attacks by Asiatic tribes. But the city's fall to the Turkish Ottomans in 1453 marked the official end of the Byzantine Empire--and the end of the Middle Ages. Learn how the fall of Constantinople became one of history's most pivotal moments. Cover 1 Front Flap 2 Title Page 3 Copyright 4 Contents 5 Chapter 1: No Place More Worthy 6 A Perfect Spot 7 Justinian's Empire 11 Life in the City 15 The Birth of Islam 19 Conquest and Converts 22 The Widening Fissure with Rome 26 Chapter 2: Discord, Decline, and Destruction 30 Cought between East and West 33 The Fateful Fourth Crusade 37 "They Smashed the Holy Images" 42 Languishing under the Latins and the Mongols 47 A New Byzantium and a New Threat 49 Chapter 3: Ottomans on the Rise 52 An Invitation into Europe 57 Ottomans into Serbia 60 Imperial Power 65 Chapter 4: A Matter of Time 68 Tatars 72 Fueling the Renaissance 74 The Final Years 76 A Cause for Grief 81 Religious Unity at Last 83 Chapter 5: 1453 86 The Siege Begins 89 "All Very Brave Men" 95 May 29, 1453 98 Spoils of War 100 Chapter 6: Istanbul and Empire 104 Europe's Response 107 Rebuilding on a Grand Scale 109 Next Stop, Rome? 117 Suleyman's Magnificent Empire 119 Chapter 7: City of the World's Desire 126 Young Turks and a New Turkey 128 Lessons from and Ancient City 132 Primary Source Research 138 Primary Source Document: Autobiography of George Sphrantzes 140 Timeline 144 Who's Who? 146 Glossary 149 Source Notes 153 Selected Bibliography 155 Index 158 About the Author 162 Back Flap 163 Back Cover 164 Examines the history and importance of the city of Constantinople during the Middle Ages and the factors that led to its defeat at the hands of the Turkish Ottomans in 1453. Includes a timeline, a "who's who", and a glossary Examines the period of the decline of the Byzantine Empire, discussing the economic, social, political, religious, and military factors which led to its final downfall.