Siege of Constantinople (717–718)

Quick Facts: Who was Siege of Constantinople (717–718)?

Subject:

Siege of Constantinople (717–718)

Known for:

The 717–718 siege of Constantinople by the Umayyad Caliphate.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

In 717–718, Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was besieged by the Muslim Arabs of the Umayyad Caliphate. The campaign marked the culmination of twenty years of attacks and progressive Arab occupation of the Byzantine borderlands, while Byzantine strength was sapped by prolonged internal turmoil. In 716, after years of preparations, the Arabs, led by Maslama ibn Abd al-Malik, invaded Byzantine Asia Minor. The Arabs initially hoped to exploit Byzantine civil strife and made common cause with the general Leo III the Isaurian, who had risen up against Emperor Theodosius III. Leo, however, deceived them and secured the Byzantine throne for himself.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

After wintering in the western coastlands of Asia Minor, the Arab army crossed into Thrace in the early summer of 717 and built siege lines to blockade the city, which was protected by the massive Theodosian Walls. The Arab fleet, which accompanied the land army and was meant to complete the city's blockade by sea, was partly neutralized soon after its arrival by the Byzantine navy through the use of Greek fire. This allowed Constantinople to be resupplied by sea, while the Arab army was crippled by famine and disease during the unusually hard winter that followed. In spring 718, two Arab fleets sent as reinforcements were destroyed by the Byzantines after their Christian crews defected, and an additional army sent overland through Asia Minor was ambushed and defeated. Coupled with attacks by the Bulgars on their rear, the Arabs were forced to lift the siege on 15 August 718.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

On its return journey, the Arab fleet was almost completely destroyed by natural disasters. The siege's failure had wide-ranging repercussions. The rescue of Constantinople ensured the continued survival of Byzantium and marked the end of a century of constant war, territorial losses and internal strife, while the Caliphate's strategic outlook was altered: although regular attacks on Byzantine territories continued, the goal of outright conquest was abandoned. Historians consider the siege to be one of history's most important battles, as its failure postponed the Muslim advance into Southeastern Europe for centuries. Following the first Arab siege of Constantinople (674–678), the Arabs and Byzantines experienced a period of peace.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Constantinople (717–718)

True or False: “The primary goal of the Arab forces during the 717–718 siege was to establish permanent Byzantine vassal states in Anatolia.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they sought conquest, the failure of the siege caused them to abandon the immediate goal of outright capture, shifting their focus.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Siege of Delhi (1857) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Decisive conflict marking the peak and ultimate failure of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• Siege of Jerusalem (1099) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The brutal 1099 siege marking the Christian conquest and founding of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• Siege of Jerusalem (1187) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The 1187 siege marked the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, ending Crusader control.
• Siege of Leningrad — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A devastating 872-day military blockade by Axis powers against Leningrad (1941–1944).
• Siege of Malta (World War II) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal WWII battle for the Mediterranean, crucial to Allied success in North Africa.
• Siege of Metz (1870) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A pivotal siege during the Franco-Prussian War that led to the capture of Metz.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siege of Constantinople (717–718)