The siege and the fall of Constantinople in 1453: historiography, topography, and military studies

Abstract

Contents: Preface Part I The Pen: Scholarship and the Siege of 1453 Four testimonies: a ghost, a pope, a merchant and a boy A 'chronicle' and its elaboration: Sphrantzes and pseudo-Sphrantzes Myths, legends, and tales: folk history. Part II The Sword: The land fortifications: an impregnable fortress 'thou art' or 'art not' Prelude to the siege of 1453 A castle and a bombard Naval maneuvers: subordinate operations Land operations: the main targets Some observations on strategy Conclusions Appendices Bibliography Indexes.