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The Fall of Constantinople 1453 Back to "Decline of the Byzantine Empire" Chronology Back to "Ottoman Empire" Chronology The siege of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most heavily fortified cities in the world, took place in 1453. Sultan Mehmed II, ruler of the Ottoman Turks, led the assault. The city was defended by, at most, 10,000 men. The Turks had between 100,000 and 150,000 men on their side. The siege lasted for fifty days. The Turks employed various important war tactics in taking over the city. They used huge cannon to destroy the...

COMPOSER Martin Isherwood says Eurovision Song Contest entrants Jemini were unlucky to score a duck in Latvia. The Liverpudlian duo became the first Brits ever to register the dreaded 'nul points' but Mr Isherwood from Salford says the voting was political and a backlash against the war in Iraq. The 38-year-old said: "Jemini did really, really well under the circumstances. It was a really lovely performance and it was very well received, one of the best received in the arena. Last night and this morning will be remembered as the Gulf War backlash."