ABSTRACT
The Byzantine land-walls extend from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, a total distance of about six and one-half kilometers. These walls protected Byzantium from its enemies for more than a thousand years, and in that way profoundly influenced the history of medieval Europe. Although they are now in ruins, the walls of Byzantium are still a splendid and impressive sight, with towers and battlements marching across the hills and valleys of Thrace. Although a hike along the land-walls can be somewhat arduous, it is nevertheless quite rewarding, for on and around them we discover aspects of StambouJ which are not evident within the town itself. And in springtime this stroll can be extremely pleasant, when the walls and towers are covered with ivy, the terraces carpeted with fresh grass, and the moat colorful with wild flowers and blossoming trees.
