It was on this day, in year of 1453 Anno Domini, or 2206 Ad Urbe Condita in the Roman Calendar that the Queen of Cities, the City of Cities, the City of World's Desire, Constantinople fell after 53 days of siege to the invading forces of Mehmed II. With this final stroke, the Roman Empire finally fell; though it can be argued that the Empire of Trebizond's fall less than a decade later sparked the true end of Rome, but this is aside the point, for even if it had not be ended the bell had already tolled for one of the greatest Empires to grace this world. According to some the beginning of our modern era, though this itself debatable, what is not is that this was the end of an era. An ironic end and bitter end to an era and to an Empire, for the first Emperor of the East was Constantine, the Son of Helena, and the Last was also Constantine Son of Helena. It is said before the end of the battle, the Emperor Constantine XI tore off his imperial regalia so that he could not be identified and then joined one last charge with his men, falling in battle, and depriving his enemies of the pleasure of having his body as a trophy. The Turkish account claims that he happened to leave his slippers on, and thus his body was found, but I find that to be far more dubious and the former is a better story. Further, a better story, though as we all know entirely fictional is the legend of the Marble Emperor and how Constantine the XI would return to deliver the Greek people in the darkest hour, a tale common to many people, the slumbering hero that will return one day to deliver their people from certain destruction.
And so, in light of this event, and this day, I am posting this thread. So that we may mark the day, and remember. To remember such a momentous day in history, and to commemorate the many lives lost during that day. To remember the heroism of its defenders, and to do them some measure of justice by this act, to keep the flame burning nearly six centuries after their passing. In writing this thread it brings to mind for me the transitory of what is great in this world. That all good things must inevitably come to end, to quote Aristotle, "Time crumbles things; all things grow old and is forgotten through the lapse of time". Perhaps, in the face of things all we can do is try to keep such memory alive, and out of the gnashing jaws of time for as long as we can. In the end, I will leave you with the final words of Constantine XI, in hope that they may move you and be of meaning to you. And I would bid you to reflect on the meaning of this day and its place in history.
And so, in light of this event, and this day, I am posting this thread. So that we may mark the day, and remember. To remember such a momentous day in history, and to commemorate the many lives lost during that day. To remember the heroism of its defenders, and to do them some measure of justice by this act, to keep the flame burning nearly six centuries after their passing. In writing this thread it brings to mind for me the transitory of what is great in this world. That all good things must inevitably come to end, to quote Aristotle, "Time crumbles things; all things grow old and is forgotten through the lapse of time". Perhaps, in the face of things all we can do is try to keep such memory alive, and out of the gnashing jaws of time for as long as we can. In the end, I will leave you with the final words of Constantine XI, in hope that they may move you and be of meaning to you. And I would bid you to reflect on the meaning of this day and its place in history.
