Siege of Constantinople by the Turks (litho)

Siege of Constantinople by the Turks. The great ambition of Mohammed was the overthrow of the Byzantine empire, and the Turks employed the autumn and winter of 1452 in making great preparations for the siege of Constantinople. Mohammed assembled the best troops of his empire at Adrianople, and got together a formidable collection of artillery. The actual siege began in April 1453, but at first little headway could be made even by the best Turkish artillery against the immensely strong fortifications of the city. On 29 May a general assault was made, and Constantinople was carried by storm in spite of the efforts of Constantine, who died fighting bravely amidst the enemy. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson, c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.