The Sacking of Constantinople: A Reckless Chapter in History

Constantinople, the fortified and majestic capital of the Byzantine Empire, faced numerous attacks and sackings throughout its storied history. Some were devastating, marking the end of eras, while others were brief and less devastating. This article delves into the most significant and infamous instances of the city's sack, shedding light on the historical context and impacts, highlighting the Fourth Crusade and the Ottoman conquest among the other key events.

Notable Sacking Incidents

Throughout the centuries, Constantinople experienced multiple sackings, each leaving a lasting impact on its history. These attacks occurred under various scenarios, from foreign invasions to internal political upheavals. Here, we explore three of the most notable events.

The First Sack: A Local Uprising and Barbarian Wrath

The story begins in 1081, during an uprising led by Alexios Komnenos against Nikephoros Botaneiates, who had just ascended to the throne. Among the rebel forces were German soldiers guarding one of the city gates. One of Alexios' men bribed these guards, and at dawn, the soldiers entered the city with Alexios' army outside the walls, ready to assault. However, this plan went awry when the guards opened the gate, leading to a chaos that spread throughout the city's streets. The troops, including both Byzantines and Barbarians, ransacked houses, churches, and even the inner sanctuaries, looting a vast amount of booty. This act of recklessness and shamelessness was so severe that not even the natives refrained from these acts, further tarnishing the city. The Patriarch ordered Alexios to make public penance for his army's actions, wearing sackcloth and living on the floor with a stone pillow for 40 days and nights.

The Fourth Crusade: A Twist of Fortune and Fate

The Fourth Crusade, which started in 1203, led to a significant and infamous sack of the city in 1204. This event was not a mere military action but a complex maneuver orchestrated by political and financial interests. Isaac II Angelos was deposed by his brother Alexios III. Isaac's son, Alexios IV, escaped to Venice, offering the Crusader army a large sum of gold if they would assist him and his father. When the Crusaders reached the city, Alexios III fled with the treasury. After Alexios IV ascended the throne, his attempts to raise funds further alienated the populace, leading to his deposition by Alexios Doukas Mourtzouphlos. This rejection led to renewed conflict and, ultimately, the conquest of Constantinople in 1204, marking the second time the city suffered a sack under Crusader influence.

The Fall of Constantinople: A Sign of the End

The final and most significant sack of Constantinople occurred in 1453 when the Ottoman forces under Sultan Mehmed II captured the city, effectively marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. This event, which follows a long and arduous siege, led to the relocation of the Ottoman capital to Constantinople, which was later renamed Istanbul.

Other Notable Attacks and Sieges

In addition to the aforementioned events, Constantinople faced several other attacks and sieges throughout its history. Notable incidents include:

674-678: Arab forces laid siege to the city, but a small group of Greeks managed to enter through a disused aqueduct and take control of the city, thus maintaining a degree of partial control despite a lack of full-scale sack. 743: An uprising against Constantine V led to a military campaign that caused significant starvation, but details about the city's fate during this period are scarce, and it's uncertain whether it was sacked or not. 705: Emperor Justinian II returned to Constantinople with an army, leading to a small-scale and localized event where a group entered through a disused aqueduct, leading to a brief and unclear aftermath. 195: During a civil war between Roman Emperors Pertinax and Septimus Severus, the city endured a three-year siege, eventually losing through starvation. Nero espoused a brutal response upon surrender, with the city being razed and stripped of amenities, though this was before it was called Constantinople.

Conclusion

Constantinople’s history is marked by numerous attacks and sackings, with the Fourth Crusade and the Ottoman conquest being the most significant in terms of impact. These events highlight the city's strategic importance and the complex dynamics that governed its fate over the centuries. The city's resilience and ability to recover from such tragic events underscore its enduring legacy.

References

Scott Newman. Bloody Istanbul: A History in Murder, Riot, and Revolution. Kindle edition. Retrieved from [Source]