If the Greeks had atleast half the amount of soldiers the Ottomans had, they could have easily defeated the Ottomans. Number of soldiers 10k Greek soldiers Vs 120k Ottoman soldiers Casualties 4k Greeks Vs 50k Ottomans
@@mathewjose4753 Greeks lost their land over a multifold amount of time. I know, that even if excluding the civil War and dynastic infightings, Byzantine empire faced Norman invasions and Bulgar-Kuman attacks on other fronts. Europe never knew their biggest threat will not come from Middle East, but from the Nomads of Anatolia.
@@alyanali8484 He did. Constantine XI died as the last Roman Emperor along with his city; closing the final chapter of the longest-lasting Empire the world has ever known - with the way it was founded in the first place: courage, blood and steel.
An absolute Chad of a man, fighting to the very last to defend his people, his Empire (even when it was falling), his city, and his values. A true Roman and a true hero.
@chrisfromgreeceIt was their ancestors religion. The fact that the Pope a complete mess and more interested in a hissy fit powergrab than actually being a religious leader was their problem (not to mention adding the filioque)
That's a myth they actually identified his body due to it's silk and gold trimmed stockings. They chopped the head off of it and paraded it around the city before....well just kinda loosing it.
Thing is, people in Constantinople back then didn’t knew Latin anymore. They called themselves Romans, yes, but they weren’t culturally Latin in any way.
@@umbertozannoni9695 well, no. The elite was more or less hellenised and eventually came to regard the westerners (“latins”) first as cultural lackeys and usurpers, and then as mortal enemies. It was far more likely to hear the royal court to converse in Syriac, isaurian or Armenian rather than Latin, at least after Heraclius. To learn Latin was of no good use either. Practically no one in the empire was speaking it as a mother tongue.
But still, we cannot ignore the fact that the Greek soldiers killed way more ottomans even after having very less soldiers (10k Greeks Vs 120k ottomans according to 'the diary of the siege of Constantinople 1453) Casualties according to most historians 4k for Greeks 50k for Ottomans
"Augustus. Justinian. Constantine. They will be watching!". Constantine XI Good Lord, his speech gives me chills every time. If you read his true speech as well, you're gonna be astonished by the bravery, integrity and sense of duty and protection this man was holding. He was a real-life hero. I'm glad there is a portrayal to give him more than 2 lines although they still didn't capture the fighting spirit he possessed. Constantine didn't just watch from the walls or had Justiniani to lead his men, he too designed battle attacks and tactics and took part in regular fighting. Still, this is one of his best portrayals so far. I wish they had given him more time onscreen just like Mehmed II. Glory to the Byzantine Empire, one of the longest Empires in History to this day! It may have eventually died but its spirit will always live on! Greetings from Greece.
@Kerberos Panzer Corp how can they be byzantine if the term byzantine has been used for the first time by scholars in 1500? They were romans even if they were born outside italy, in fact they called themselves Pomaioi and they were proud of being it
@Kerberos Panzer Corp The truth is in the middle as we use to say in italy. It wasn't necessary to speak latin to be romans, rome was an ideal. That's one of the most fantastic things about romans, they were a minority. The people that lived in italy werent romans at all, they were "italici" but rome managed to make them feel roman. The same thing happened in grece and anatolia. They spoke greek, they were greeks but they were also romans cause they shared the ancient ideals and values that have made Roma the greatest empire in world history (not the widest, not the largest, the greatest). And i'm personally very happy that greek people brought that ideal on in the same way romans did centuries before with the greeks ones. So in conclusion its Easy to say that the so called byzantins were both romans and greeks in the same time
The last Roman emperor of the east going out with a bang, dying in battle, is a far more quintessentially Roman way for the empire to fall than the way the west fell, with a whimper as a quivering child is stripped of office by an outsider.
It wasn't without it's lost hurrah's though: Majorian (second attempt at Aurelian), Julius Nepos (Last of the Julio-Claudian line), Aegidius (The last Western Roman General, and his son was the last western Roman Governor holding out even as rome had long been fallen)
This man was a true Roman, regardless of what anyone says about the Byzantine Empire’s legitimacy. To face your enemies, to conquer fear, and lead your people even at the cost of your life is truly deserving of the title Emperor of the Romans. The spirit of every Roman before him, and every Greek even before them, stood at his back, watching their final legacy go down fighting for the glory of the empire. Vivat imperium Romanum!
@@Emir0709 hm he did 100% percent for what he was given as a declining empire. it is more embarassing for the ottomans than it is romans. being outnumbered and sieged for years they definitely went out with a bang
@@Emir0709 Yeah a 21 year old with 120,000 soldiers and 70 canons, against a dying empire that had little more than 7000 troops and the only thing protecting them a thousand year old crumbling walls.
@@Emir0709 with 80 thousend men under his command the roman empire was being beaten from all sides by barbarian scum like you for a thousend years before this constantly it was a matter of time till it fell only a few thousend men defended the city
He didn't just make some last valiant charge. When the wall was breached and the Italians were fleeing, he threw down his royal regalia, took up the armour of a regular foot soldier, and led what men he had left at the beach. He died trying to the save his city. He died a true crusader.
@@masterplokoon8803 A crusader is any Christian who would fight and die in the name of Christ! As for 1204. I feel Alexios IV will always have to share blame for that most tragic incident.
@@09stoneheart The crusaders in 1204 were pretty much mercenaries serving Venice's economical ambitions. They sacked Zara in Croatia and then went to Constantinople. The crusaders allied themselves with a treasonous prince to steal the wealth of Constantinople. So don't try to associate Constantine XI with some ideal of crusader because the Byzantines despised the crusaders, they saw them as traitors. In fact most of Constantine XI's military career before he became Emperor was spent destroying the remaining crusader states in Southern Greece and reclaiming that land for the Empire. He improved relations with the West to secure help for the defense of the city but he died for his country not for some ideal of crusade.
@@masterplokoon8803 For me a crusader is not someone associated with any particular conflict, or set of conflicts, its any Christian who would lay down their lives in the name of God and his church. No proper Christian would ever try to defend the sack of 1204. Even historians that admire the, actual, Crusades, like J. Steven Robert's, don't consider that a crusade at all and is universally condemned by Catholics. And when I think of real crusaders, I think of the the Templars at Acre in 1291, the swiss guard in 1527, the holy league in 1571 and those who defeated the turks at all thr sieges of Vienna. Among those I would add Constantine XI. Who decided to stand and fight, where lesser men would have cut a deal or run.
I am a Muslim and a fan of the sultan Al Fatih, but I pay tribute to the emperor Konstantin Xl, Giustiniani, and all the troops and people of the East Romans,For their courage to defend their city and kingdom for the last time, they are heroes, I will also do the same if my country is attacked.
As a major history buff, I’m a huge fan of both Constantine XI and Mehmed II! I think it’s fitting that the Roman Empire came to its valiant end in 1453 at the hands of a worthy opponent such as the Ottoman Empire! It’s also impressive that the empire that permanently ended Rome in 1453 lasted all the way until after WWI
The main issue was the Venetians, the Pope (I believe) finally realised they could not let the eastern Roman Empire fall and held a meeting with the Venetians and organised a substantial force to help the Romans. However, first of all the Venetians played a game of bartering and told the Pope to repay the debts they were owed for the destroyed fleet they suffered not long before against the Ottomans (first delay) the second delay occurred when there was a disagreement among a section of those involved in the substantial fleet/force being sent and the fleet/force arrived after the city was overrun. Had they left when the initial agreement was found between the Pope, the Venetians and others, then it would have saved Constantinople. There is a very interesting book if you want the name of, but it discusses the day by day account of what happened and it's quite neutral minded, but it really demonstrates how much 'luck' was on the side of the Ottomans, those 50/50 decisions in sports (as an example) went the way of Mehmed. Even as the final assault happened, it was literally a freak accident that dealt the final blow to Lord Giustiniani, and his loyal troops mistook his falling back from his wounds as retreating and they scrambled through a relatively small gate to follow him and they left it open, so when the Ottomans got control of the initial courtyard, they found an open gate to come through. If you're still reading this I hope I have not bored you all completely. The sack of Constantinople involved so many mini events that had devastating consequences and those 50/50 decisions went in favour of Mehmed. Nonetheless, Mehmed was scared of a united effort of the western forces coming to help Constantinople, we have contemporary evidence of Mehmed's men nearly rising up against him due to his inability to break the walls, and as the author of the book I read said, the defenders of Constantinople likely did not realise how close they were to Mehmed retreating. I don't want to point the finger at Lord Giustiniani, he was a truly brave leader and people have labelled him unkindly in recent works (Netflix, and others) but his falling back on the final morning assault (additionally the gate not being closed) had such disastrous results for the Romans. They were so close to sending Mehmed back. If anyone wishes to discusses with me further about the Roman Empire let me know, I run a Instagram and Facebook page for the topic. I love all discussions about the Roman Empire. Hope to speak soon everyone :)
@@alvmarkk Yes, the fleet and the soldiers onboard arrived I think about 1 week too late (roughly, I would need to check my notes). So as the book I read said, had they left when they were meant to and not delay over unnecessary things, they would have arrived in time to assist Constantinople. Would they have lifted the siege? We can never know but from what the sources say and current works, Mehmed feared help coming from the West. This was supposedly know to Constantine, because he asked the few dozen or so European soldiers who had arrived or been there prior to the siege to walk along the walls. It believed the Constantine knew that would potentially give Mehmed a scare, and the latter potentially being more cautious in his approach to the pending siege. All of this is probably speculative but we do have account of people who were there, largely written from a Roman perspective but in my view there is no denying that Mehmed would have retreated had the fleet arrived when it was meant to. If the 1000 or so men (once more I need to check the numbers mentioned) could hold off Mehmed for so long, what would a state of the art fleet with all of those board do to Mehmed? We are told that his men were close to deserting him, including his personal bodyguard, they were sent at the walls, albeit, after a first wave of cannon fodder, but even they were driven back. I am not saying everything I say is true but from the accounts I have read, the modern books, this is the information I have gathered. If I can help with anything more, just ask me, Malveron Mark! :)
@@Emir0709 Mehmed was a coward he didn't fight at the battle. He also Rpt n killed children and woman inside the Hagia sophia church. Be is Hitler of the Medieval times
“God forbid that I should live an Emperor without an Empire! As my city falls, I will fall with it! Whoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can; and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me!” ~ Constantine, Emperor of the Romans "Either I take Constantinople, or Constantinople will take me" ~ Mehmet, Kayser-i-Rum (Caesar of Rome)
In Greece we remember him as the Marbled King...the legend says that...When he rushed into the Turkish mob a miracle happened...an angel took him away and froze him in time...He is still somewere marbled waiting the proper conditions to come...awake retake the city and restore the empire...That legend kept awake the Greek fire of independence for 400 years (Unknown to many..Greeks rebeled against Turks & Benetians more than 150 times withn 400 years) ...The great Greek Rebel Kolokotronis when he was asked to surrender...he responce was...Our King died fighting...thats the less i can offer you!..that was his legacy...and still is
The Romans greatly valued honour and duty above all else. For a Roman to flee the battle field, especially the commander, while his soldiers died around him, would've put him to shame.
Why? Everytime he's made a "historical" movie he's messed up the history side of things terrifically. In Braveheart where the Scott's wear Pictish warpaint from many hundred years prior and quilts which weren't a thing till many hundred years later. Who can forget apocalipto where the Spanish show up 600 years early.
Nah, he would demonize the Turks to an extreme, like the British in "The Patriot", and the movie would have so many inaccuracies that it will give a headache to any historians.
Eyewitness and servants of mehmet claim the emperor was was completely indistinguishable from the other bodies, as he had torn his markings and emblems from the armor making him like any other domestikos(city guard/soldier). his last words were literally quoted as "the city is fallen and i am still alive". he then, joined his first line as the new megas(commander) ordered a crushing charge. its assumed he died immediately as to not allow the invader to seize his body, and to give his troops a last stand order. Greek to the core and spartan in death.
its also assumed it is entirely his call for the fall of his city. as a port constantinople was nearly inpenetrable, until orban the cannoneer turned pink mist offered his services. the expenses were too high for constantine the eleventh and ensuing relations caused the cannon maker to approach mehmet who was more generous, but realistic. they then built a siege cannon weighing 17000kg that can toss a 360kg boulder 1.6 miles. all part of the lovely irony and hymnn that is our human existence
The most beautiful city in the world a jewel of Greco-Roman culture and the center of Orthodox Christianity, its fall into the hands of barbarians is the saddest day in the history of mankind. Eternal glory to the Marble Emperor and defenders of Constantinople
Constantine had numerous opportunities to save himself, but he chose to stay with his men and his city until the end. Imagine what a man like that could have done if he'd come to power when the Empire was at its peak. Truly, he should be remembered along side men like Octavian, Aurelian, Marcus Aurelius, Basil II, Heraclius and other great emperors. God bless you, Emperor Constantine. Many of us look to you as a hero.
"As my city falls, I will fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me."
As a Turk and a Muslim, I have great respect for Constantine. May god have mercy on him. History is above nationality and beliefs. Therefore, history should be viewed with an impartial eye. The Roman Empire was the largest and longest surviving empire in history and knowing this, xi. Constantine fought bravely and died bravely. ii. Mehmed also respected him like a real emperor, respected his bravery and determination despite being his enemy, and honored his name. Mehmed had great love and respect for Rome. Therefore, in fact, the Roman Empire was not destroyed, only the Ottoman Empire took its place and glory. Therefore, ii. Mehmed called himself the Roman Emperor. This is the biggest oddity in history. The name of the first emperor and his mother, who founded the eastern roman empire, is the same as the last emperor and his mother. (Constantine-Helena).
as the time past the eastern roman empire was hellenized herclius changed the title of the emperors from augustus to Basileus (king) in greek he changed the language from latin to greek what i am trying to say is that the eastern romans nationality was greek but they felt greeks and romans
@@iliasantoniou13 the Official language was Latín, but the Greek language was Most común and spoken by the Eastern Romans, a old privilege as the Romans admired and respected the Greek culture. The only Thing they Changed after the Fall of Western Rome, was to make Greek the Official language. they did See themselfes as Romans. With the Term "Greeks" they did See their pagan ancestors. Their identety was beeing Roman and Cristian.
I am a Hindu Rajput and we've many heroic kings who'd fought against Islamic jihadis till their last breath. Emperor Constantine was the true hero! Leading from the front!
There is a legend, which shows Consentine xi as the Marble King, who was saved by God in the fight just in order to come again and take back Constantinople. Now I realized that this superstition was created by Turks
@cunteater69 Well, it is the one thing that nobody can argue with. Lmao. Heck, i would argue it is the main reason why it fell. Second is betrayal of Venetians. Third reason is Attacking on Alparslan while he was marching on Egypt. (People don't talk about it but much, but Alparslan was actually marching to south to stop the rebellions and civil unrest. Sure, it was a matter of time Turks arriving to Anatolia, but Eastern Romans shouldn't face Turks without proper cavalry and archers. They pretty much spooked Turks early on. And it was a quick victory for them)
Dear Mel Gibson: Please! Let's make a movie of Constantinople's Downfall! Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI Palaiologos deserves a movie! He and his warriors were heroes! He was de King Leonidas of the Middle Ages!
Our King and Emperor, Constantinos Palaiologos, died in the battlefield like a true leader. Not only because he had honor. But also for a much greater cause. His sacrifice was meant to be a reminder for all Greeks and Romans that our Great city of Constantinople, the Royal City, the city of our beloved Holy Mary ......did not Surrender to the enemy! It was TAKEN from us! And to this day, there is no Greek in the world that does hold the desire to reclaim it. To take back what has been stolen from us. It's a desire that burns so deeply into our souls that has kept the entire Greek population faithful and hopeful throughout 400 years of Ottoman Occupation. Imagine this. Imagine that the actions of a King resounded so far into the future within our hearts that has kept us strong for 400 years of cruel occupation. And then in 1821 these same people rise and earn our independence. Not just to establish our country......but to take back Constantinople!
If only they knew that their entire struggle was in vain. That one day Europe would begin not only letting them walk in, but actively helping to facilitate the movement of people into Europe.
You will come as lightning, The country will celebrate, Sea, land, and sky, In your light. I will dress in white, To touch thee again. You will light up my heart; O, how I love thee! King of Kings, help the King, Mercy, mercy, heavenly God, Constantine Dragases Palaiologos, By the Grace of God, Emperor of the Romans! At the gate of Romanos, Riding his horse of four white legs, Four betas, mercy, mercy, Marmaras, Bosphorus and Black Tuesday. The sun shone and the earth sighed: "The city has fallen! The city has fallen! Constantinople, the golden gate, The firstborn of the apple tree. The city was the sword, the city was the spear, The city was the key to all of Rome, Fall silent, Mother of God, and weep no more, With years and time it shall be yours." At the gate of Romanos, You went away, An angel will bring you back, When the time is right. In the Hagia Sophia, We will meet again, At a new service, All the Greeks as one! King of Kings, help the King, Mercy, mercy, heavenly God, Constantine Dragases Palaiologos, By the Grace of God, Emperor of the Romans! At the gate of Romanos, Riding his horse of four white legs, Four betas, mercy, mercy, Marmaras, Bosphorus and Black Tuesday. The sun shone and the earth sighed: "The city has fallen! The city has fallen! Constantinople, the golden gate, The firstborn of the apple tree. The city was the sword, the city was the spear, The city was the key to all of Rome, Fall silent, Mother of God, and weep no more, With years and time it shall be yours." You will come as lightning, The country will celebrate, Sea, land, and sky, In your light. In the Hagia Sophia, We will meet again, At a new service, All the Greeks as one! Constantine Dragases Palaiologos!
I belive the last King Constantine dint flee ... though the History mentions tht a day before the siege ... the moon wasent been seen and day weather was dim ... even lightning Stike on Constantine .... despite knowing these Omens and watching over the out numbered soldiers of Ottoman .. the last Constantine puts his life on the Line.. MAy almighty peace his soul after life!
Closing the Middle Ages and opening the new age. The one who taught the whole world that the walls can be destroyed. The one who drove the ships from the land and conquered Istanbul. The one who produced the Shahi cannons and brought a new era to the world war history. 13 years old, fluent in 7 languages. One of the most colorful figures of the Renaissance, much more advanced than Europe in science and philosophy. He conquered 2 empires, 14 states, 4 kingdoms and 11 principalities under his rule. The great sultan of the Turks, the new caesar of the Romans and the Greeks. Mehmet the Conqueror, wrote in the Golden pages of History.
Lol..turks are unbelievable with their propaganda..the (ships) was some big boats easy to carry vikings have done that a lot..new era?you mean old era because ottomans have bring slavery again in the surface of the world slavery has stopped 1200 before when rome became Christian.new weapons?already in the rest Europe where using gunpowder and cannons..
@@user-so8nc4br7z ? Western Europeans destroyed the city. Mehmet made it a bustling trade hub. And all of this is because of Western Europeans like you.
