 |
| Painting by the Greek folk painter Theophilos Hatzimihail showing the battle inside the city, Constantine is visible on a white horse [Credit: Theofilos Museum] |
The Byzantines were able to cut off the underground tunnels when the Ottomans tried to cross beneath the walls.
Greatly outnumbered, the Byzantines were repelled several times, resulting in terrible losses.
Mehmed the II’s third and final attack was very carefully organized.
With great perseverance, the Ottomans attacked the part of the walls which were near the Gate of St. Romanos, where the Emperor was fighting with his soldiers.
One of the city’s main defenders, Genoese captain Giovanni Giustiniani was seriously injured and was forced to abandon the fight. This loss was a great set back for the Byzantines.
The walls were disintegrating under the cannon fire when the Emperor fell during battle.
There is no specific information about his death.
According to popular legend, the Turks where only able to enter the city after an internal betrayal, when someone opened the Kerkoporta. In the end the defenders were surrounded.
Following Constantine’s death, the Ottomans rushed into the city.
A large number of citizens took refuge in the church of Hagia Sophia, hoping to find safety there but the conquerors broke the main gate and entered the church where they slaughtered everyone.
When Constantinople was finally captured, the thousand year old Byzantine Empire ceased to exist.
Author: Ioanna Zikakou | Source: Greek Reporter [May 29, 2015]
