the fall of Constantinople

Originally posted by eaglecap slavery.

Edited by Kapikulu - 18-Mar-2007 at 09:16

Originally posted by Hellios Originally posted by Kapikulu 1- It was not the Greeks, it was the Byzantines, not exactly the same thing, I presume.    Kapi, I think he means Greek Byzantines in the sense of Greeks under the Byzantine Empire. Good comments BTW Kapi.

I thought the City was founded and named after Greeks and was basicly another city state. Then Rome came, but wouldn't the inhaditants still be Greek? I never heard the population being replaced when the Romans came, and no signifcant population came and replaced them from what I understand. So wouldn't the majority be Greek?

But what about the Officals at this time? They had to be of Greek stock too, no? I mean, to me, the Byzantines were more Greek then anything else, especially later on from what I understand. But I'll admit I'm no expert on this issue.

I don't think the defense of Constatinople was that heroic or spectacular at all. I think it has been hugely romanticised, where other battles haven't.

Its easy to die heroically.

The most important aspect of that battle to me was the Cannon

I find it a tad odd that people tend to celebrate their defeats at the hands of the turks. Somehow loosing against the Turks is one of the most heroic things you can do


Edited by Omar al Hashim - 18-Mar-2007 at 21:41

Originally posted by Omar al Hashim I don't think the defense of Constatinople was that heroic or spectacular at all. I think it has been hugely romanticised, where other battles haven't. Its easy to die heroically. The most important aspect of that battle to me was the Cannon I find it a tad odd that people tend to celebrate their defeats at the hands of the turks. Somehow loosing against the Turks is one of the most heroic things you can do

Originally posted by Omar al Hashim I don't think the defense of Constatinople was that heroic or spectacular at all. I think it has been hugely romanticised, where other battles haven't.Its easy to die heroically.The most important aspect of that battle to me was the CannonI find it a tad odd that people tend to celebrate their defeats at the hands of the turks. Somehow loosing against the Turks is one of the most heroic things you can do

I can agree with some of your points and yes my sources are both Italian and Greek so they could be a little bias. Still, based on my sources it was a heroic and epic battle on the part of the Greeks and their allies. I can say the same about many of the Turks in Mehemet's army. I wish I had the time to post some quotes but I have to run. I will later on !! I have great respect for Mehmet as a leader and I am looking for a book about him and also Turkish primary sources about the battle. Also, I want to find "The Slavic Chronicles" in English if possible

added- 03/23/07
..."Children of Mahomet, be of good cheer. Tomorrow we shall have so many Christians in our hands, that we shall sell them them into slavery at two for a ducat, and we shall have such riches that we'll be all of Gold and from the beards of Greeks we shall make into leashes to tie up our dogs, and their wives and their sons shall be slaves; so be of good cheer, children of Mahomet, and be ready to die with a stout heart for love of our Mahomet."
Nicolo Barbaro - "Diary of the Siege of Constantinople.
This is supported by George Sphrantzes and other sources I have come across; including a few Turkish sources. "Legacy of Jihad" Dr. Bostom
The Italians were also guilty of slavery.





Edited by eaglecap - 28-Mar-2007 at 13:37