Repairs and Attacks on the Harbour Walls of Constantinople
Early Defenses and the Role of Manuel Phakrase Catacuzene
In the 14th century, the Byzantine Empire was often under threat from both external enemies and local rivals. Among the defenders of the empire was Manuel Phakrase Catacuzene, who gained distinction during the defense of Selivria in 1341 and later in the siege of Galata in 1351. His efforts symbolized the constant vigilance needed to protect Constantinople from ambitious powers such as the Genoese.
The Genoese Attack of 1434
Almost a century later, in 1434, the Harbour Walls of Constantinople once again required attention. The reason was another Genoese attack. At that time, Genoa had sent an expedition to capture the city of Kaffa in Crimea. When the expedition failed, the Genoese turned their attention toward a much larger prize: the capture of Constantinople.
With a fleet carrying nearly 8,000 troops, they boldly approached the capital. Their attack, however, was successfully repelled by the Byzantines, and the defeated Genoese fleet had no choice but to return to Italy Bulgaria Tours.
Continued Genoese Resistance
Despite this setback, the Genoese colony of Galata refused to give up the struggle. They began bombarding Constantinople’s walls with cannon fire, destroying several warehouses and even damaging a tower near the Gate Basilike. This act of aggression shocked the city, but once again, the defenders held firm.
The attack ended in failure, and as punishment, the Genoese colony was forced to pay an indemnity of one thousand gold pieces to cover the damage caused. This event highlights both the determination of the Genoese and the resilience of the city’s defenses.
Inscriptions Recording Repairs
Historical evidence of these events and repairs comes from two inscriptions preserved by Dr. A. D. Mordtmann in his work on the last siege of Constantinople. These inscriptions are particularly valuable because they record who was responsible for certain repairs made to the Sea of Marmara fortifications, at a time when the empire was trembling before the advancing Ottoman power.
The Inscription of Lucas Notaras
One inscription was found on a section of wall between Ahour Kapoussi and Tchatlady Kapou. It read:
“Of Luke Notaras, the Interpreter.”
This Lucas Notaras later became the Grand Duke of Constantinople, one of the most prominent figures during the tragic fall of the city in 1453. At the time of the repairs, however, he held the position of interpreter (dragoman) for Emperor John VII Palaiologos, helping to conduct delicate negotiations with Sultan Murad II.
The office of interpreter was highly respected, having grown in importance because of the frequent diplomatic interactions between Byzantium and foreign states. It had also been held earlier by Nicholas Notaras, the father of Lucas.
The Inscription of George Brankovitch
The second inscription stood on a tower between Koum Kapoussi and Yeni Kapou. It recorded that repairs in 1448 were carried out at the expense of George Brankovitch, the powerful Despot of Serbia. His contribution shows how allies and neighboring rulers sometimes invested in the defense of Constantinople, understanding that its survival also protected their own interests.
The attacks and repairs of the 14th and 15th centuries show the strategic importance of the Harbour Walls of Constantinople. They were not only a defense against foreign fleets like those of Genoa but also a symbol of Byzantine resilience in the face of decline. Figures such as Lucas Notaras and George Brankovitch demonstrate how individuals and neighboring states played roles in maintaining the city’s defenses.
Though the empire would ultimately fall in 1453, these efforts reveal the determination of Byzantium to defend itself until the very end.
