What Saved Constantinople from Siege?

Constantinople was saved from a prolonged Ottoman siege at the turn of the 15th century by the timely intervention of Tamerlane, who decisively defeated the Ottoman forces.

The Ottoman Threat to Constantinople

At the beginning of the 15th century, the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, faced a dire situation. The formidable Ottoman Empire had launched a relentless siege that continued for a grueling seven years. This extended blockade severely strained the city's defenses, resources, and its already dwindling population, pushing it to the brink of collapse.

Tamerlane's Pivotal Intervention

The unexpected salvation for Constantinople came from the east with the advent of Tamerlane (also known as Timur). Renowned as the last of the great Mongol conquerors, Tamerlane led a powerful campaign that dramatically shifted the balance of power in the region.

The turning point was the Battle of Angora (modern-day Ankara) in 1402. In this monumental conflict, Tamerlane's forces delivered a devastating defeat to the Ottoman army, capturing their Sultan, Bayezid I. This catastrophic loss compelled the Ottomans to lift their long-standing siege of Constantinople, as they were forced to divert their attention and resources to addressing the internal turmoil and civil war that erupted within their empire following the defeat.

Key Figures and Events in Constantinople's Reprieve:

Tamerlane's decisive victory at Angora granted Constantinople a crucial reprieve, effectively postponing its final conquest for over another half-century, allowing the city to recover from the immediate Ottoman threat.