The Fall of Constantinople 1453

Steven Runciman

Language: English

Published: Jan 15, 1965

Description:

This classic account shows how the fall of Constantinople in May 1453, after a siege of several weeks, came as a bitter shock to Western Christendom. The city's plight had been neglected, and negligible help was sent in this crisis. To the Turks, victory not only brought a new imperial capital, but guaranteed that their empire would last. To the Greeks, the conquest meant the end of the civilisation of Byzantium, and led to the exodus of scholars stimulating the tremendous expansion of Greek studies in the European Renaissance.

Review

'Once again Sir Steven Runciman demonstrates his mastery of historical narrative … an excellent tale, full of suspense and pathos … He tells the story and, as always, tells it very elegantly.' History

'Runciman [is] eminently accessible and readable.' Evangelicals Now

Book Description

This classic account shows how the fall of Constantinople in May 1453, after a siege of several weeks, came as a bitter shock to Western Christendom.

Book Description

While their victory ensured the Turks' survival, the conquest of Constantinople marked the end of Byzantine civilization for the Greeks, by triggering the scholarly exodus that caused an influx of Classical studies into the European Renaissance.