The Theodosian Walls of Constantinople were some of the strongest city walls in the medieval world. Keeping these walls in good condition was extremely important for the safety of the city. Although maintenance was sometimes ignored during peaceful times, when there was no threat from enemies, it was generally taken seriously and done with care and urgency when needed Daily Tour Sofia.
The Importance of Maintenance
The main reason for maintaining the walls was to ensure the city’s defense against attacks. Surprisingly, most of the damage to the walls did not come from wars. Before the invention of gunpowder, the siege weapons used by enemies were not strong enough to break down the walls. Even if they could cause damage, it was difficult to place these machines close enough to the massive walls to do much harm.
Instead, the weather and earthquakes were the biggest threats to the structure of the walls. Over many centuries, Constantinople experienced many violent and frequent earthquakes, which weakened or damaged parts of the walls. Rain, wind, and general aging of the structures also caused deterioration. Because of this, regular repairs were needed to keep the walls strong.
Earthquakes The Main Cause of Damage
Earthquakes were a regular and serious problem in Byzantine Constantinople. They often caused cracks, collapses, or loosened stones in the walls and towers. These natural disasters forced the authorities to act quickly to restore any damaged parts, especially if there was a risk of enemy attack during the recovery period The Kerko Porta and Its Discrepancies.
Who Was in Charge of Repairs?
The responsibility for maintaining the Theodosian Walls was given to specific officers. These officials had different titles, such as:
Domestic of the Walls (in Greek: ὁ Δομεστικὸς τῶν Τειχῶν), Governor of the Wall (Ἄρχων τῶν Τειχῶν), Count of the Walls (Κόμης τῶν Τειχῶν)
These officers made sure that repairs were carried out as needed and that the workers and materials were available. Their roles were very important in protecting the city and responding to any damage quickly.
In summary, the Theodosian Walls were carefully maintained throughout most of Byzantine history. While enemy attacks did not often damage the walls, natural forces, especially earthquakes, made regular repairs necessary. Thanks to the work of special officers, the city remained protected for over a thousand years. The strength and maintenance of the walls played a key role in keeping Constantinople safe from countless threats.
