The Anastasian Wall

Abstract

The Anastasian Wall, built under Emperor Anastasius in the early 6th century, served as a vital defensive structure for Constantinople, stretching 58.3 km from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. This wall was created in response to threats from steppe invaders like the Bulgars. Strategically located 65 km west of Constantinople, it complemented the city’s Theodosian Walls, protecting not only the city but also its suburbs and crucial supply routes. The wall's construction was massive, requiring 10,000 workers over five years. Its formidable design included a ditch, towers, and forts at intervals to control access. Despite the advanced defenses, historical records indicate that it struggled during attacks, notably the Kutrigurs' raid in 559 after an earthquake compromised parts of the wall. Emperor Justinian later restored the wall, reinforcing Constantinople's security until the 7th century, when it was eventually abandoned amid growing external pressures. The Anastasian Wall, often referred to as “Rome’s Last Frontier,” stands as a testament to Byzantine defensive architecture, securing the capital's outskirts and crucial resources.