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The city of walls: Constantinople - Lars Brownworth

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The world owes much of its cultural legacy to Constantinople’s walls. When Constantinople was under siege by neighboring enemies, the Roman city’s elaborate system of moats, outer walls, and inner walls stood tall. Surviving numerous fire attacks, the walls were eventually brought down by more modern tools of warfare, but, thankfully, classical culture survived.

How might the world be different if Constantinople hadn’t successfully defended itself for a thousand years? How would western history look without most of its Greek and Roman legacy?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Animator Henrik Axlund, Petri Ruikka
  • Educator Lars Brownworth
  • Narrator Lars Brownworth

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