The Final Days of Constantinople | The Life & Times of Constantine XI

Thanks to Keeps for sponsoring - Head to keeps.com/jackrackam to get 50% off your first order of hair loss treatment.
I didn’t want to make this video, for a long time. Not because Constantine XI is some drab old king bogged down in meaningless politics, of course, but because I was honestly afraid that I wouldn’t be able to do this story justice, because Constantine stood on the shoulders of giants, just giants all the way down, this is the final act Europe’s most enduring and adaptive civilization, and some part of me always hoped I could somehow precede this episode with the two thousand years building up to it, every quote-unquote defensive war preserved in the annals of Livy, every great rivalry, every foolhardy emperor, every twist and turn of court intrigue, ever unlikely rebound against the savage march of time. But at the end of the day, I reckoned that even if I were to survive the tantalizing honeytrap that’s nipped at certain other creators, I would just turn into “the other Rome guy” next to Dovahatty, and there’s simply too much fun to be had nearly everywhere else in the world at every other point in history, and to consign this particular story to the dark chest of tales for another time would be a terrible tragedy. And so without further ado, I give you Constantine XI: The Last of the Romans
Music (in order of appearance):
Kevin Macleod - Crinoline Dreams
Kevin Macleod - Black Vortex
Kevin Macleod - Hidden Past
Kevin Macleod - Winter Chimes
Jacques Cassard - Berliner Polka
Kevin Macleod - Angevin B
Kevin Macleod - Heavy Heart
Kevin Macleod - Eternal Terminal
Kevin Macleod - Night Vigil
Yakuza OST - Baka Mitai

[@JackRackam]

Don't let your hair go the way of the Byzantines - head to keeps.com/jackrackam to get 50% off your first order of hair loss treatment! Edit: How many hours can I spend poring over the same video and not register John VII instead of VIII and 1492 instead of 1452 😭

[@ajithsidhu7183]

Sikh empire please

[@konigsbergmarshal1695]

Lmao I was wondering as well

[@darklordmalthric9814]

You should cover the imjin war

[@GeldtheGelded]

man, and i always thought keeping hair on my head is as confusing and complex as byzantine bureaucracy

[@godzilla9619]

I am related to Byzantium's Monarchs and this hurts, A LOT. I am crying, Thank you for covering all that you have on Rome.

[@lukacvitkovic8550]

It started with Romulus and ended with Romulus. It started again with Constantine and ended with Constantine. The inherent poetry of Rome is astonishing.

[@achaeanmapping4408]

Thats why during the ww1 era when it seemed like greece could regain the City there was a saying "Constantine built the city, Constantine lost the City, Constantine will regain it" because the name of the king at the time was also Constantine

[@kitcutting]

Dang. That's profound. I read this while listening to the outro theme in the video and I was so close to tearing up, because I've been on Jack Rackam's Byzantine series since the beginning, and this is how it ends.

[@secretmilo]

Not to mention the Democracy of Rome began with a Brutus killing a despot and ended with a Brutus killing a despot.

[@rhetoric5173]

They were both nutjobs too!

[@forgetfulfunctor1]

the inherent lack of ingenuity lol srsly for the last 300 years every emperor in Rome was like, Gaius Julius Germanicus Augusticus

[@ahmedmuawia2447]

"The other Rome guy next to Dovahatty" don't worry Jack, Dovahatty was the other Rome guy next to Historia Civilis and Kings and Generals

[@ADogNamedStay]

Lol I was thinking the same. Also historymarche, bazbattles, epic history among others

[@nebsam715]

Bro I was about to say that

[@nebsam715]

@@ADogNamedStay ahh you beat me to it,love Historymarche and epic history my favorites from these channels are the Hannibal series and Napoleonic wars respectively

[@Solon1581]

There a few others that come to mind, but mostly smaller channels. If the Roman Empire had to die, I honestly think that this was the best death it could've gotten.

[@jonathanredacted3245]

Lord knows we need less dovahatty

[@grant.5345]

Constantine died fighting for the survival of his city. A Roman Emperor could not have asked for any better a death. To protect his City, his Rome, or die trying.

[@insomaniac1796]

even though it was meaningless and fruitless , the pride and determination he has was simply astounding. Both Mahmud ii and Constantine respected each other as great rulers and general, both tried everything and overcome all logics to win the battle.

[@rockstar450]

@@insomaniac1796 Mehmed II would add the moniker "Caesar of Rome". Similar to Charlemagne, this was a status symbol rather than real relation to Rome. Still it shows Constantinople kept the Roman flame alive until the end.

[@birgaripadam7112]

Interestingly after Turkish conquest city became Capital of Ottoman Empire who developed it back to being a great city

[@1996Horst]

​@birgaripadam7112 well that's because it is a city on one hell of a trade route. It only fell because it had been kept week by everyone around it for hundreds of years. That is also why the Christian nations refused to help. They could make massive bank while it was weak. Once the ottomans rolled in they had the founds to guard the trade route and essentially rebuild the entire city with the tarrifs made in a single year. And the tarrifs were not even high, in order to encourage trade.

[@byzantineboi8345]

Had he been born in a more prosperous age, He’d be remembered in the same vain as Alexios I, Justinian and Basil II, yet Fate is cruel, “For the City has fallen and I am still alive”-Constantine XI

[@warlordofbritannia]

Don’t be sleeping on Herakleios!

[@boomer310]

Ey it’s Diego

[@achaeanmapping4408]

Hes still remembered as a hero here in Greece atleast

[@sir.muffiniii7011]

He actually died during the battle, leading his troops into one last charge

[@Diego-zz1df]

I think you'll enjoy a quote from J. J. Norwich's "Byzantium: The Decline and Fall": Emperor Manuel II's last recorded words. Old Manuel [II] had never properly recovered from his stroke; by now [1425] he was permanently bedridden and sinking fast. His mind, however, remained clear, and continued to worry over what he considered his son's excessive ambitions, summoning him to his chamber for long conversations about the dangers of antagonizing the Sultan unnecessarily and of going too far in the direction of Church union. After one of these talks, which had ended with John [VIII] leaving the room tight-lipped and silent, Manuel turned to his old friend, the historian George Sphratzes, and said: "At other times in our history, my son might have been a great basileus; but he is not for the present time, for he sees and thinks on a grand scale, in a manner which would have been appropriate in the prosperous days of our forefathers. But today, with our troubles closing in upon us from every side, our Empire needs not a great basileus, but a good manager. And I fear that his grandiose schemes and endeavours may bring ruin upon his house."

[@legateelizabeth]

Constantinople was not COMPLETELY alone. One man answered Constantine’s call. Giovanni Guistiniani was a Genoese mercenary captain. His experience leading troops from all corners of the globe - possibly as far as distant Scotland - galvanised the defenders and kept the multitude of people working together. His expertise in sieges kept the Ottomans at bay, and when he was wounded in it’s defence was carried away by his men, quite possibly against his own wishes. Remember his name alongside Constantine’s. This man, descended from the maritime republics who once bought doom to Constantinople, who had fought for payment his entire life, answered the call to aid from the last Roman Emperor. He fought and died not for his God or his people, his dynasty or his homeland, for gold or for glory, but for a dream. A dream… called Rome.

[@Taistelukalkkuna]

Hear hear.

[@yibithehispanic]

He actually fought for his Faith too, do you think he would answer the call for aid if a Muslim was in charge of the New Rome?

[@marseldagistani1989]

A more than noble act could not exist

[@dariobarboni9276]

He still had the Roman genes.

[@riograndedosulball248]

=||THE WALLS BROKE BEFORE THE GUARD DID||= =||CAPTAIN GUISTINIANI, HERO OF THE IMPERIUM||=

[@michaelsinger4638]

He does like a true warrior. He had the misfortune to rule at the worst time possible.

[@roadhigher]

Sometimes the greatest rulers are born in the worst generation. If Constantine XI was Emperor of Rome in the 2nd Century he could've accomplished so much

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

Blame his female ancestors that blinded men that could've preserved the country a few more decades.

[@keelyngraves4638]

@@HwoarangtheBoomerang jesus women hate much?

[@elonwhatever]

Everyone! *excitedly points* I found the incel!

[@rolanddeschain5161]

@@HwoarangtheBoomerang Or you could blame his male ancestors for forcing smart and capable women, like Anna Komnene, out of positions of influence where they could have preserved the empire a few more decades. See, I can be reductivist as well!

[@EVEMASTER99]

"The city is fallen and I am still alive." Constantine XI's last words before he took off everything identifying him as emperor and charged to his death with his soldiers.

[@warlordofbritannia]

Constantine XI: Never thought I’d die fighting side by side with a Genoese Giovanni Giustiniani: How about side by side with a friend? Constantine: Aye, I could that

[@garrettmorton774]

No man fails who dies fighting for his cause. Constantine XI fought to the end. He was an emperor worthy of the title.

[@AeneasGemini]

Exactly, failure lies only in giving up

[@isaacsorrels4077]

@@AeneasGemini This is how I've always defined fsilure. Constantine the Ninth didn't fail; he was only prevented from continuing to try.

[@harithdanial141]

He dress like normal soldier because he don't want enemy see him as emperor or elite. That's honourable things that last emperor of Roman did for his last city

[@Trachy]

I am glad to see Constantine XI finally get the recognition he deserves here on KZbin.

[@atomic_wait]

The Ottomans docudrama on Netflix is pretty entertaining, can't speak exactly to its accuracy though. Lots of screen time for Mr. XI.

[@benba8342]

There is an entire tv series on Netflix about the fall of the Constantinopole.

[@benba8342]

@Leo the Anglo-Eastasian I know. Still was a great watch.

[@muhdzafri7551]

@Leo the Anglo-Eastasian Read the description, I think you asked for “Baka Mitai”

[@muhdzafri7551]

@Leo the Anglo-Eastasian You’re welcome!

[@Vjeimy]

A few interesting facts: According to Greek legends Constantine's last words were during his last charge where he allegedly said "Is there no Christian around to claim my head?" (He didn't want to be decapitated by Mehmed's warriors). Moreas did indeed become the surviving legacy of the Byzantines. There were small regions there and across Greece that never fell to the Ottomans. They would later become the craddle of the Greek war of independance. One of the heroes of the Greek revolution, in response to Western envoys who proposed that the Greeks could become semi independant tributaries of the Ottomans, replied "Our King (Constantine XI) has already spoken, it is not up to us to disobey him and surrender our domains and freedom to the enemy."

[@silence_dais]

This is definitely a story I'd bet has been discussed being actually shown as a movie in the area because it feels like an epic tragedy of one man trying to keep not just his home but his entire history alive for just a few years more and being thwarted at every turn because of the world decided it was time for it all to end.

[@RobsonCruz51]

It was depicted in a 2012 Turkish movie, Fetih 1453. Not quite historically accurate.

[@JohnnyLodge2]

Lol, imagine Hollywood trying to make a mobie about 1453 and somehow finding ways to make Constantine an evil racist rudely defying the tolerant and peaceful Mehmed from doing an imperialism. They would probably end up making him look even worse than Guy di Lusignan in Kingdom of Heaven while making Mehmed II look better than Saladin and Balian combined. Cant depict the christians as the heroes and muslims as the villains of a story. Would never be allowed to happen

[@Willie5000]

Bruh, Muslims are still depicted as villains all the time. Hell it’s often the only thing they get depicted as.

[@JohnnyLodge2]

@@Willie5000 like in what films? When theyre terrorists against liberal values maybe. And there is always a ThIs Is NoT rEaL iSlAm moment in them. Theyre not ever being depicted as villains against explicit christian societies. Because apparently 'crusades were bad' is justufication enough for all that came before and afterwards. Thats why you have woketarded history channels doing Akshually Devshirme wasnt so bad (Extra History for exp) despite it literally being a colonial power enslaving the children of the conquered and using them to administer conquered territories which is the exact thing we whine about the west doing today.

[@KBzDvSt]

@@JohnnyLodge2 please never reproduce

[@JKR9488]

First Roman King was Romulus, first Emperor of Rome was Augustus, the last emperor of west Rome was Romulus Augustus, The founder of Constantinople was Constantine and the last Roman Emperor was Constantine. So very fitting.

[@Etom.]

Mehmed actually had great respect for Constantine. After the siege had ended some sources claim he imprisoned and even executed Byzantine nobles who attempted to change sides before the siege had ended.

[@m_fredi9549]

It is depressing when you stop to think about it Edit:lol, left this on the wrong comment

[@furkanyb]

When the Russian approached the city during the Russo-Ottoman War, the emperor Abdulhamit II allegedly said “I will die in this city while defending it like the noble Emperor Constantine.’

[@rockstar450]

The final Roman Emperor refusing to leave New Rome, sword in hand, is pretty epic

[@GonzaloDaveloza]

That is just Turkish propaganda in an attempt to make themselves look as civilized, the sultan made his troops look for the Emperors body ordering the slaughtering of innocents every hour if he didn't appear, since he did not as he had casted his imperial garments and dressed as any other soldier, the sultan dressed up some random corpse and paraded it in mockery and subjected it to vexations that he forced the few remaining civilians alive to watch.

[@Etom.]

@@GonzaloDaveloza I mean it’s not really out of the realm of possibility. Think about it, these men were quick to change their allegiance when all hope look lost for their emperor, why would Mehmed trust them to be apart of the post conquest nobility. Also what you’re describing is what happened to anyone who prolonged a siege against the ottomans, their tactics were straight forward either surrender or be plundered. Also that story is completely false. They eventually found the body (allegedly) and decapitated it

[@willforest5302]

I’ve heard the eastern roman empire referred to as the Sisyphean empire, they would put all their strength to rebuilding the empire, like Sisyphus rolling his boulder up the hill, only for it to come undone every time.

[@TrafficPartyHatTest]

Oh that is actually very interesting

[@Falsealarm.]

Then one must imagine The Eastern Roman Empire happy

[@willforest5302]

@@Falsealarm.Albert camus, nice.

[@bvillafuerte765]

You're right. @@willforest5302

[@cainyourkids]

@@willforest5302 I've always attributed the absurdity Camus describes in Sisyphus as representation of human hope - that, in spite of the constant failure and repetition, there lies a tiny spark of belief that one day, all of this will make sense and all this misery means something. It might be naive, but I like the idea better than just screaming frantically into the void.

[@lyalllupin8789]

All of Jacks videos make me laugh, but this one had me close to tearing up, especially the beautiful ending, and as a Philhellene and Byzantine lover, this hurts 10 times more. Farewell Byzantium.

[@theodosiusii408]

I almost cried when I saw the ending as well

[@lyalllupin8789]

@@lilwerner1518 Seeing how I am what I am and live where I live because of that. . . I think not. (Live in the U.S and have European and Native American ancestry.)

[@dionysius-germanicus_digna3740]

Oh, woe! Imagine thinking that.

[@Pantsinabucket]

@@lilwerner1518 it was the Ottomans’ refusal to trade with Europe that spurred seeking a westward route, not the Europeans refusing to trade with them. Even then, the few European powers that were allowed to trade with the ottomans like the Italian merchant republics were getting charged out the ass both because they weren’t Muslim and because the Ottomans relied on overland trade to bring those goods to port, which is a lot more expensive than sea trade.

[@bvillafuerte765]

@@lyalllupin87891. Ironically! 2. Correction: Constantinople.

[@OneTrueVikingbard]

5:18 dammit Sigismund! You’re always popping up in *EVERY* drama of the late 14th and early 15th century, either as the bad guy (he abandoned Jan Hus, which is why there is a Hussite war wagon firing at him in the background) or as an unhelpful ally (like when he abandoned the Teutonic Knights at Grunwald or stepped into the 100 Year War to save France but ended up siding with Henry V of England), and this time you’re useless yet again! Seriously, Jack Rackham; you need to do a video on Sigismund. He had his fingers in everybody’s pies that it would make for a very fun and interesting watch.

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

Like a really new and bad Age of Empires player.

[@dikaios6]

Yeah! A video about Sigismund would be awesome!

[@Ragnarok__]

The most powerful man of his time, obviously he was involved in everything

[@OneTrueVikingbard]

@@Ragnarok__ “most powerful man of his time” gets beat by holy potatoes and a one eyed bohemian boi with some wagons, plus gets tricked into simping for the losing side of the 100 year war

[@bvillafuerte765]

@@dikaios6 I support the motion!

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

The walls stood up to cannon remarkably well, with the specially designed weapons necessary to defeat them taking so long to reload that the defenders could build new walls behind any breaches before the holes were actually punched. The defenders only held the middle wall, too, not the taller, thicker inner wall. Had there been pretty much any additional manpower it's likely the city would have resisted the final assault, Mehmet would have executed his generals, and the siege would have ended. Had the Latin powers bothered to do anything meaningful, it wouldn't even have been in doubt. All they managed were a few hundred Genoese adventurers and some Venetian ships with their crews, and even that was nearly enough to save the city.

[@birgaripadam7112]

I don't think so, maybe they would hold little a longer but it wouldn't change the history

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

@@huanquocmanh416 They could only afford small cannon, and supposedly the recoil did more damage to the wall than the shot did to the enemy.

[@Ragnarok__]

Mehmed was hated by his own court. They even removed him from power once, they didn't kill him because his father was still alive. If Mehmed had failed this siege, would have been his end. The Ottoman Sultanate would likely collapse. and if the Muslims didn't come together with a new power project soon, they would be removed from Europe by the next century. Probably the most important siege of all time.

[@birgaripadam7112]

@@Ragnarok__ that's one of the reason why he trusted his slaves and give them important jobs more than his Court

[@thehaybayle]

@@matthewneuendorf5763 I’m not sure about this, but Urban, the guy who made the cannons, made the worlds largest cannon in history for the siege; I can’t remember off my head but I’d like to say 70 feet by 9 feet

[@Daniel-jm7ts]

Dont worry. Steiners counterattack will save Constantinople

[@archsteel7]

I fucking lost it. Full on cackle-laughing at this one.

[@polasamierwahsh421]

Who?

[@warlordofbritannia]

Mein Basileus, Steinerous…

[@polasamierwahsh421]

@@warlordofbritannia once again who?

[@Theakritas_]

steiner couldn't get enough men to stop the turks from pulling their ships onto land and cutting us off.

[@kyonkochan]

Love that you gave a shoutout to Dovahatty. I love his take on historical videos that basically tell Roman history according to the Romans which actually is a great way to contextualize how the Romans saw themselves and why Rome functioned like it did. Obviously his videos are inaccurate in some places for the sake of comedy but he has this way of hybridizing the controversial aspects of Rome with comedy and satire of the obtuseness of Roman legal systems.

[@rockstar450]

The rest of the world saw them as Romans too. From the goths who bowed to the Roman Emperor Xeno, to the Seljuks who made the Sultanate of Rome, the Crusaders in 1204 who signed the Division of the Roman Empire and bickered over who would be emperor after they sacked the city, to Mehmed who styled himself Caesar of Rome in 1453. The German Emperors saw themselves as Franks and the other German polities. The “Emperor of the Romans” simply meant King of Kings appointed by the Pope. There were arguments over which emperor was supreme but since Constantine, New Rome was the capital of the empire and was home of the Romans. Some German Emperors would try to get the Byzantines (ie real Romans) to acknowledge their claim, but even under pressure they only said “Emperor” but refused “of the Romans”. In the west this was just part of a prestigious title, but for the Byzantines this meant admitting subordination which was refused. Irene’s “apparent proposal” *cough* was clearly propaganda to depose her as the Byzantines saw the west as primitive war mongers and would never bow to them. The “Greek shade” is more of a modern invention and it’s emphasis ignores the fact the Eastern half was Greek since Augustus.

[@kyonkochan]

@@rockstar450 Even today the "desire to be Roman" is felt in America although they wanna emulate more of the Republican period of Rome and not the Dictatorship. They weren't subtle when naming it "Capitol Hill" lol. They still use Latin in their National Motto.

[@rockstar450]

@@kyonkochan It honestly makes me laugh how Americans believe other than a democratic senate (which wasn't really democratic) there is any link to America and Rome. The only modern link remotely close is the end of the British Empire and the end of the Western Roman Empire. I believe it's the superiority complex drummed into youths that draws the comparison to "mighty Rome" rather than true assessment.

[@markdin2988]

@@rockstar450 no, there is plenty of similarity. The whole emergency dictator thing, the US has with presidential emergency powers. Senate, obviously the senate. Separation of powers is similar

[@joeywheelerii9136]

@@rockstar450 its not about claiming ancestry from Rome. We chose to emulate the early Republic. Our founders greatly revered the Roman Republic.

[@edmeister4031]

"God forbid that I should live as an Emperor without an Empire. As my city falls, I will fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me." - The last Roman Emperor rushes towards eternity.

[@ninab.4540]

He's kinda dead

[@stevejohnson3357]

The final battle came after numerous potentially great emperors had been betrayed by their aristocrats who didn't want to pay for the emperor's victory. But when there is nothing left to lose there is 0 cost to manning the battlements and everyone is a soldier. This video came at kind of a funny time.

[@philipglover3295]

A lot of people said this was fate as Constinople rose with an Emperor called Constantine and fell under an Emperor called Constantine

[@santiagogarza8121]

Just like rome with Romulus

[@ale-xsantos1078]

Or the Roman Republic which started with Brutus and died with Brutus

[@polasamierwahsh421]

No , Constantinople didn't fall here , it died here It fell in the fourth crusade when those called Christian defenders sacked it leaving scars so debilitating it never truly recovered

[@Kyle-qd2sy]

@@ale-xsantos1078 I’m starting to think Roman history was written by George RR Martin

[@bandie9101]

or the papacy started with Peter and allegedy ends with Peter the II according to Malachy's prophecy.

[@Dovahhatty]

More of a Telvanni guy myself

[@JackRackam]

Welcome to the show you magnificent bastard

[@stoopidphersun7436]

Hello Dovahatty

[@theodosiusii408]

Didn't know you'll be here Welcome to the episodes that makes you cry

[@galanopouloc]

I just knew that you would be somewhere around here

[@Moon-li9ki]

e ai dova, como vai?

[@Zeruel3]

As the Ottomans finally overran the defences and the foreign fighters buckled and fled the Byzantine troops led by Constantine were the last ones holding firm, turning back attack after attack. After he realized it was the end Constantine XI tore off his imperial purple regalia, drew his sword and flung himself at the Ottomans to die in battle. Mehmet II searched and searched for his body so he could cut his head off as a trophy but he was never able to find it, so the last Emperor of Rome was buried in a mass grave alongside his soldiers Julius Ceaser, Augustus, Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Aurelian, Diocletian, Constantine I, Stilicho, Aetius, Justinian I, Belisarius, Heraclius, Basil I, Nikephoros II, John I, Basil II, Alexios I, Manuel I, Michael VIII, his father Manuel II and brother John VIII would have been proud, the Last Roman was among the greatest of them all

[@bvillafuerte765]

1. Aeneas, Priam, Hector, etc would also be. 2. Correction: Romans.

[@noonespecial9704]

My head canon is that God sent Angels to carry Constantine to Elysium among his Roman ancestors to live with the greats of Roman Civilization.

[@_-.-_-_.._--.-_-_----_-.--_._-]

There is a legend that the last emperor was sealed away under the gates of the city by angels, and that one way he would be freed to restore the empire, so the Ottomans had the gate blocked off out of superstition.

[@manuramos89]

He now a fate character...

[@CollinMcLean]

Jack you magnificent silhouette of a human in a tie, another great episode on the Byzantine empire! Nice to see that be it East or West, Rome continued it's long held tradition of being one of the most prestigious dumpster fire in history till the very end. Still wish you'd cover Robert the Bruce. Or Rurik... you did Ivan IV and Dimitri I, II, III, and IV... the guy who started it all...

[@dionadair8195]

Commenting here so this one will get more recognition. Robert Bruce deserves all the press he can get.

[@Ahmadabdal_]

I just can't get enough of that ending....just imagine the history and the thoughts going through Constantine's head...thinking about the 2 millenia of history......

[@aidandavies6164]

You know it's a long history when you round down too 2 millennia of history

[@EYYYYYJustin]

Time for FGO to claim this comments section

[@captainvalourous6668]

Now I wonder if Daddy Romulus were to meet him? 😅

[@Capacitypeach0]

"Once this city watched over the world, if your sacrifices means the world will now watch over us, then it will be worth it" what an incredible line

[@Awesomewithaz]

That ending is beautiful

[@NightDocs]

“The tantalizing honey trap that nips at other creators”…. Bro why would you attack me like that

[@otakunthevegan4206]

This is where the story and legacy of that little farming town made of mud and clay in western Italy comes to an end.

[@CollinBuckman]

The story? Yes. But the legacy? No, Rome's legacy didn't end, its legal and cultural impact were and still are visible in Europe

[@AeneasGemini]

@@CollinBuckman sure, but less than people think, most of the western world is more heavily influence by the Anglo-sphere, which is rooted in Germanic culture (that was never conquered by Romans). But sure, it's definitely still felt.

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

😢😭

[@lolihitler4198]

@@AeneasGemini the only thing Anglo-Saxon about the world today is the prevalence of English. Not a single aspect of the Anglo-Saxon culture, society, philosophy, religion, politics, or government is practiced anywhere in the world and yet throughout the entire world we see Rome’s influence in all of these. 159 countries refer to themselves as a republic, the anglicization of a Latin word for a uniquely Roman concept. Whether or not Rome as a state still exists is irrelevant. It’s ideas and accomplishments are the basis for some of the most fundamental ways we view the world and will continue to be for millennia.

[@warlordofbritannia]

Rome literally started as bunch of hillbilly mud huts and ended in one last moment of tragic glory

[@jeffwalters8180]

Don't write off Nampa, Idaho so flippant. The folks I know there will fight you like Monty Pythons "Black Knight". I get your point though. Another amazing and entertaining video boys!

[@yibithehispanic]

It just hurts knowing how hopeless the situation was for the Byzantines, they had nothing, they had no one yet they still fought to the very end, the feeling of impotence leaves you enraged.

[@INSANESUICIDE]

The video and subject fits with current day events in Ukraine

[@assyriancrusader3760]

@@INSANESUICIDE not even close

[@zxylo786]

@@assyriancrusader3760 its not even far. Its in another fucking galaxy.

[@NAME-yg8sl]

@@zxylo786 it’s in another plane of existence

[@bvillafuerte765]

@@INSANESUICIDEWTF 😂

[@taycarroll1124]

History sure rhymes a lot Roman civilization in the west started with a Romulus the empire started with a Augustus the western ended with a Romulus Augustlus while the eastern half started with a Constantine and ended with a Constantine. The silver lining in this while the western empire ended with a wimber the east went out in a blast of glory.

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

*bon jovi intensifies*

[@SillyDan1]

The first Holy Roman Emperor was a Karl (Charlemagne) and one could argue his last successor was Karl, the last Austro-Hungarian emperor.

[@wmarshal2802]

@@SillyDan1 the designer of the simulation is a poet at heart

[@bvillafuerte765]

Origin of the phrase: Rome knelt with a groan and fell screaming.

[@Arbelot]

​@@SillyDan1The last Holy Roman Emperor was named Franz/Francis. But for the sake of poetry, I'll let that slide.

[@matheusGMN]

The chadest chad! Died as his empire lived, fighting for it's glory and life, to the death, and in the process, gaining the biggest honor a man can earn aside from a life well lived, dying for his cause! and the fact he was never seen again just allows us to know that, in our hearts, fate could've been different, allowing for thousands of dreams to flourish* of the biggest comeback that could've ever happened! *specially in eu4

[@nopecopter9353]

Damn. You know, the Byzantines have left a bitter taste in my mouth lately. The empire has a few… ravenous fans who treat it as a perfect existence and tend to be overly annoying at times. Many fascinating empires get ignored or demonized just because they fought the Byzantines, and the Byzantines themselves (and of course Rome) are treated as perfect and given ridiculous amount of focus. People are free to like what they like, and I still really enjoy Byzantine history, but it’s hard to really get into an underdog story when everybody is in their side and everyone hates their similarly-fascinating opposition. But this? This story right here reminds me of exactly why everyone loves the Byzantines, why people still mourn 1453, why *I* love learning about the Byzantines. A thousand-year-long history fills of twists and turns, changing rivals, miraculous comebacks, and one final tragically futile defense at the end of it all. I may not really like the idea of focusing only on one little part of history, like one empire or one war or even one continent or time period, but man, I totally get it if you’re that kind of person. Godspeed, Constantine XI, and thank you, Jack Rackam, for doing the story justice.

[@InquisitorThomas]

The single greatest tragedy in all of human history is the fact I can’t like this comment more than once.

[@thejacktator133]

Your videos always feel like big events because they are presented so well and they are infinitely re-watchable.

[@sirrliv]

If ya gotta go, best to go down swinging. That was one hell of an ending. Bravo, Constantine. And Bravo Jack Rackam for the magnificent special episode.

[@mr.bluesky8554]

It is fitting that Rome's last emperor should be a Constantine. In a different time, he may have led the empire to glory and prosperity, but the fates are cruel, and gave unto him the last embers of an inferno, that had burned for a thousand years. And with the horse hair banner sitting atop his walls, and vengeful turks in his streets, he faced his end with courage and honor. A good Christian he may have been, but within him lay the strength of Jupiter and the fury of Mars. Where others may have given up hope and despaired, he fought to the end, riding the eye of the storm. *Roma Invicta*

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

"the last embers of an inferno" I like that.

[@SylviaRustyFae]

"burned for a thousand years" Far longer even...

[@Chachy1337]

Well, not really 'Invicta' anymore was it now :P

[@danielwurth955]

Rome was founded under Romulus and fell under Romulus. Constantinople was founded by Constantine and fell under Constantine

[@SylviaRustyFae]

@@Chachy1337 Rome still exists to this day tho; both actual Rome itself, and the Roman Empire still affects the modern world and the geopolitics. The empire may have fallen but Rome, the idea, the people, the culture; that Rome truly is invincible (so far; lets see how nuclear winter goes i guess...)

[@jakespacepiratee3740]

Never thought I’d kinda feel sorry for an ancient Roman Emperor but here I am.

[@123Derek789]

The fall of Constantinople will always bring a tear to my eye

[@nonnayerbusiness7704]

Don't worry, the Ottoman Empire was just as cruel and treacherous as the Byzantines... so it is like they never left.

[@Phoenix-ii8ff]

me too, but a tear of joy.

[@sgt.krakatoa1093]

The walls broke before the guard did

[@centvriovii8355]

@@nonnayerbusiness7704 no, BIZANTINES are great.

[@islammehmeov2334]

@@centvriovii8355 if the were so great then they won't be CONQUERED

[@malak0v866]

"Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whoever is ready to face death, let him follow me."

[@emmetcoyne6436]

When the Roman Empire died at least the last Roman Emperor died fighting!

[@polasamierwahsh421]

Fighting wishing for death not for a chance at victory He knew hope was lost , he wanted to go out gloriously instead of becoming a pawn in mehmed dungeon

[@Adam18W]

“God forbid that I should live as an emperor without an empire. As my city falls I shall fall with it. Whosoever wishes to escape, let him save himself if he can, and whosoever is ready to face death let him follow me.”~Constantine XI

[@DaydreamingSwede]

I genuinely got goosebumps at that final speech holy shit

[@theflyingeyeball]

In the end, you can say the Byzantines “won”. They’re last emperor died in battle, defending his empire and “lands”. Then you had the ottomans, who’s last sultan died in exile.

[@joek600]

And the Ottoman Empire only lasted a couple of centuries as a power house, then became the ‘’sick man’’ and the’’giant with legs of clay’’ until it went out like a fart in the wind, without anyone ever caring.

[@bvillafuerte765]

@theflyingeyeball1061 Correction: Romans.

[@doteleven5890]

@@joek600Ottomans, at the height of their power, lost to a rock called Malta.

[@ninab.4540]

​@@joek600Too bad Turkye and Tunisia didn't get the memo. Since 1918 they still bear the Ottoman flags and crests

[@ninab.4540]

​@@doteleven5890That rock as you call it, is a little fish who got conquered 20 times in her history and still came out on top. Even in WW2. She got lazy since the 50s though.

[@MegaWunna]

The sige of constantinople 1453 took place from 6:th of april to 29:th of May 1453. The ottomans had an army of over 100,000 and 126 ships against at most 10,000 and 26 ships defending eastern roman/byzantine with help of Giovanni Giustiniani's force he manged to master which included 700 soilders and some ships, 5 genose, ones 5 venetian ones, 3 cretan ones, 1 catalonian one, 1 anconitan and 1 provencal one. With this the estern romans/byzantines manged to push back many repeated attackes from ottomans. The ottomans couldn't go over the theodosian walls the ottomans also failed by undermining the walls, the ottomans tried to sail in to the golden horn with heavy looses and failed to get in by sea. So in late april memhet II decided to get the ships over by land when the eastern romans/ byzantine saw it they planed an attack with the fire ships which destroyed some ottomans ships but if failed due to the governor of galata had told memhet II about the eatern romas/byzantine plan to use the fire ships. Even with this the city manged to hold out for few weeks more and even repeling more attackes but when the ottomans attacked on 29:th of May someone had left one of the gates unlocked and many turks manged to push it open and many ottomans came rushing in. In the chaos Giovanni Giustiniani got injured and fleed. While the eastern roman/byzantine emporor Constantine XI bravely charged in and died.

[@PakBallandSami]

This is such an interesting topic of history because Constantinople was such an important part of trade and culture the ottoman change it a bit this is why it is so interesting to talk about but just don't add Greek or Turkish nationalist ot this conversation think will go down form there

[@CowMaster9001]

16:40 This, and the Louie XVI speech about messing with the English are so very poetic. Thank you for sharing your lovely turn of phrase with us.

[@cielsharp449]

Out of all of the Roman history videos you’ve done, this one is somehow the most depressing.

[@beowulf4545]

HEY DOVAHATTY! Getting the recognition he deserves

[@michaelfisher7170]

Well done and thank you. Favorite scene..."I feel good..." as the ship slides overland into the harbor. "Why you looking at me like that?" I lost it.

[@PoggoMcDawggo]

It genuinely makes my day whenever jack uploads. Gotta save this precious for later.

[@peris_arts_film9699]

An emperor who went down with is Empire…. Respect man. Respect

[@BacchaeOphanim]

Had a pretty bad day - bad anxiety attack on the first day of a new job. But this was a good pick-me-up. I may be trapped today struggling to break myself for that sake of a world order that cares nothing for me, but at least I am not the one with a thousand years of history on my back running head long unto the breach I know there is no return from just to let that history die with pride and dignity. In other words, I may be bad at holding a job, but at least I'm not this guy.

[@16.chapel]

hey nice 200 word essay no one asked tho

[@AmitSingh-vt6ws]

Sounds rough. Hope it gets better for you soon.

[@monetizedyay6827]

very true

[@mcfarofinha134]

I never thought I'd cry to a history lesson, but here I am. May he rest with the knowledge that his actions aren't forgotten

[@angelhurtado55]

“Once this city mastered the entire universe. She placed beneath her feet Pontus, Armenia, Numidia, Italy, Ethiopia, Spain, Phoenicia, Arabia, Mesopotamia, the lands of the Celts and the Amazonians. Our empire, presently humbled, did fell the walls of Carthage, rival the Parthians and Sassanids, repel the savage Huns, slay the Bulgars, see the Seljuks return to dust, tame the wild Mongols, and cast out the Latins. If she is now finally to be devoured by the House of Osman… then as my city falls, I will fall with her.” Neat as this speech is, after some digging, turns out is Rackman's creative liberty with dialogues, which is disappointing, really hoped it were his real words

[@SeeJay804]

Hands down the best history channel on KZbin.

[@Maxim89Il]

It's impossible to hear about the fall of Constantinople and not cry. One of the most painful events in the history of civilisation.

[@godzilla9619]

I am related to Byzantium's Monarchs and this hurts, A LOT. I am crying, seeing all that Jack Rackam has covered.

[@HwoarangtheBoomerang]

Username checks out.

[@godzilla9619]

@@HwoarangtheBoomerang what is my username supposed to be? lost Roman Emperor heir?

[@NAME-yg8sl]

How can people find that stuff out? The furthest back I can trace my ancestry is like my great-grandmother on both sides

[@godzilla9619]

@@NAME-yg8sl usually some family tree websites

[@Argo123_.0]

@@godzilla9619 I am related too to Romulus.

[@user-gi8pk9uc7q]

You've got to give Constantine XI credit for dying alongside his men as a common solider instead of as the last emperor of Rome!

[@elcapitanamazing8687]

As tragic as Constantinople’s fall can be from the perspective of Roman-centric history, it lead almost directly to the discovery of the Americas. The masters of the Old World died so the New World could be found.

[@bvillafuerte765]

Furthermore the world was divided and conquered by the third Rome.

[@user-rq3rd9iz2e]

​@@bvillafuerte765Moscow Russian 😂

[@bvillafuerte765]

@@user-rq3rd9iz2e Remember that the third Rome was the Spanish and Portuguese empire.

[@STRZB001]

Even Priam would be proud. You did him justice Jack. Thank you for another amazing video. Your fans love you.

[@oscarromarioflorezcamargo6342]

The thing about Dovahatty is cause of his format he can't continue the Bizantine history against the Muslims, so maybe you could pick it up from there.

[@polasamierwahsh421]

Which is very sad , I wanted to hear the tales of struggle back and forth between both sides

[@galanopouloc]

And yet he did an unbiased video on Israel 😆

[@theodosiusii408]

@@galanopouloc I was so confused about that too

[@dariobarboni9276]

@@galanopouloc It got taken down. Sadly. KZbin hates disrespecting the arabs . Such crybabies.

[@dariobarboni9276]

@@ionatanmacbhaididh5736 Nah he would have to depict the Muslims as wojacks or aberrations and the video wouldn't survive five minutes. You can find entire videos about war, weapons, talks about criminals, but if someone dares to touch the Muslim they must be burned, aka get the strike.

[@jeffbrinkerhoff5121]

Always enjoy your sarcastic hilarious encapsulations. The pacing, editing, and sight gags never fail to delight. Thanks for all your fine work.

[@bcvetkov8534]

RIP one of the greatest empires and emperors to have ever lived.

[@shadymann9468]

Well time to introduce an anime game based on a overly complicated fictional universe at least we got this Chad today.

[@captainvalourous6668]

Ah yes the 5 Star Bartholomew Face 🤣 For real tho I wish Grand Roma has lines with the Last Byzantine Emperor.

[@shadymann9468]

@@captainvalourous6668 yeah but he is also Christian I don't know if he would be confortable talking to the founder that actually was literally a god.

[@captainvalourous6668]

@@shadymann9468 Maybe thats a line he would not cross for now and would show some manner of respect to the Founder of Rome instead.

[@shadymann9468]

@@captainvalourous6668 yeah that would be nice but all we got is him apologizing to the other emperors

[@anniel6479]

Thank you for telling this story, Jack. This video was beautiful, poignant, tragic and I learned so much.

[@curiousmadcat480]

FINALLY!!! I have been waiting for this video for so long and I'm glad you did it, you did a really good job keep up the phenomenal work!

[@user-nz1eu8cz1d]

Actually the name of Konstantinos was given to two kings of Greece ,hoping to fulfill a prophecy that said ''Konstantinos lost it,Konstantinos shall take it.'' There was also a legend spread widely amongst the Greeks that the Emperor was not slain because he was taken by an angel to cave,put to sleep and turn into a marble statue.Now he waits into the aeons to be awaken and return to his City.

[@KaiHung-wv3ul]

The Marble Emperor

[@scrollcaps]

Ok, you could play Baka Mitai over a video of puppies running through a field of flowers and I would still get misty eyed, so thanks for making me cry at work. Also John and Con's mother, Helena Dragaš, was no push over. She helped Constantine gain the throne and he renamed himself Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos in her honor as emperor.

[@VarangianGuard13]

"My ancestors fought the Old Romans and died. They slew at Teutoburg, they fought in Gaul against Gaius Julius Caesar.. Sons and Daughters of the Old North.." Constantine XI: "And the Varangians?" "The last Ditch, that is where you'll find Northmen. One last charge, for Miklagard, Great Greek.." Many hours later, in rubble and fire. A Varangian salutes the last True Roman.. he coughs up blood "Ave Imperator.." He hands Emperor Constantine the XIth a skin of mead. Imperator Constantine: "Do you see 'Valhalla' Northman?" Varangian: "Aye, Imperator.. I may see you there, yet.. We might meet this Augustus, of which I've heard.." Imperator Constantine: "I died for Rome, For her people.. Ave Roma.." In the gunpowder smoke, he fades away, to a golden light, having done his best and died for his people. A great award awarding him, as it does for all fallen warriors. (A hypothetical conversation and scenario.)

[@georgezissis9244]

Nice. I felt the vibe.

[@bvillafuerte765]

Oh...

[@danielhale1]

He should have sent a final passive-aggressive letter to Europe's leaders saying "Because I love you all, I bless you with a special gift: Empathy. Now that our empire has fallen, our enemies will now be at YOUR doorstep."

[@alexthegamer-is-cool]

17:20 gave me chills

[@SGman3000]

Woah great timing! I’ve actually just started reading into Byzantine history.

[@detamarnogueira9002]

You should, it's really fascinating and rich

[@SGman3000]

@@detamarnogueira9002 I am! Currently reading Anthony Kaldellis' Streams of Gold, Rivers of Blood. Any recommendations on other books on Byzantines?

[@detamarnogueira9002]

@@SGman3000 I myself haven't even read that many but when I was starting I started with books like "Empire of faith" by Peter (I for got his last name), there was also this book called "a short history of Byzantium by julius Norwich (I found this one easier to digest for someone who didn't read many academic history books).

[@detamarnogueira9002]

@@SGman3000 there are many books of all sort of topics "Byzantium in the Seventh Century: The Transformation of a Culture" a really interesting insight on the classical late Roman culture slowly disappointed. Really good read. There is also the Alexia's if ur in for an adventure of a ruler and not the empire or its ppl in general (you might have heard of it since it's rather well known in Byzantine history) it's really good too. You can prob find better and more recomedations from ppl who read more of it than me on the internet.

[@SGman3000]

@@detamarnogueira9002 Thank for the recommendations! I'll be sure to look them up!

[@sergioacevedo2254]

This brought tears to my eyes.:'( Well done.

[@ChieftainHawke]

Constantine XI truly went out like a anime hero, i named my son Constantine specifically after him

[@MadProphet]

"Probably on May 3 a major council was called, involving the commanders, civic dignitaries, and churchmen, to discuss the situation. The guns were still pummeling the walls, morale was weakening, and there was a feeling that all-out assault was imminent. In an atmosphere charged with foreboding, a move was made to persuade Constantine to leave the city for the Peloponnese, where he could regroup, gather new forces, and strike again. Giustiniani offered his galleys for the emperor’s escape. The chroniclers give an emotional account of Constantine’s response. He “fell silent for a long time and shed tears. He spoke to them as follows: ‘I praise and thank your counsel and all of you, as all of this is in my interest; it can only be so. But how can I do this and leave the clergy, the churches of God, the empire and all of the people? What will the world think of me, I pray, tell me? No, my lords, no: I will die here with you.’ Falling, he bowed to them and cried in grief. The patriarch and all of the people present started to weep in silence."

[@Eazy-ERyder]

Constantine XI Dragases Palaiologos was truly HEROIC and needs to be remembered along with Constantine I The GREAT and all of the great Roman and Byzantine emperors thereafter. He WAS a giant who stood upon the soldiers of true giants beginning with Julia's Caesar and Augustus from the alpha.

[@user-rq3rd9iz2e]

Roman heritcs and paganism 😂😅

[@MilloSpiegel]

Jack you glorious bastard. The flashaback to roman history moved me to tears

[@nyfinest017]

Nice touch with Baka Mitai at the end Jack. I really enjoyed the video.

[@JackRackam]

Thanks!

[@herbertgearing1702]

He went down with his ship like a responsible captain, you have to respect that rare trait. Most men who start wars are content to gamble with other men's lives.

[@BTScriviner]

I've loved the Eastern Roman Empire ever since I read John Julius Norwich's three-volume history series about Byzantium.

[@user-rq3rd9iz2e]

East Roman empire impure paganism 😂

[@OperatorMax1993]

also, there was also a Genoese guy named Giovanni Justiniani, fighting alongside Constantine with a handful of Genoese mercenaries, also you forgot to mention Skanderbeg pretty much destroying the Ottomans and such, honestly, Rome started with a Rommulus, and it ended with a Rommulus, and Byzantium started with a Constantine, and it ended with a Constantine and there were also rumours, that Constantine survived, and swore to reconquer Constantinople with a strong and big army also one more thing while the Byzantine Empire ended in 1453 there was still the small rump states of -Epirus, conquered in 1479 -Morea, conquered in 1460 -Cyprus, conquered in 1571 -Trebizond (Pontus), conquered in 1461 -Theodoro (Crimea), conquered in 1475 and a mention for the Knights Hospitaller would also survive in 1522 (i mentioned them because they settled in Rhodes) which feels kind of similar to the rump states of Western Rome like -The Realm Of Nepos in modern day Croatia -The Realm Of Syagrius in Gaul (Soissons)

[@rockstar450]

Although the "Byzantine Empire" ended in 1453, the true Roman Empire fell in 1204. This marked the first time there was no true Roman Emperor, a line unbroken since Augustus. After the the destruction of Constantinople. I'll still pay the 1453 date it's due purely because those who reinstated the Empire decended from great houses before the 4th Crusade.

[@OperatorMax1993]

@@rockstar450 indeed 1071 the Battle Of Manzikert and the Fourth Crusade of 1204 were pretty much the last nails in the coffin

[@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221]

@@OperatorMax1993 Manzikert is debatable since the Komnenos dynasty had been able to restore some of the Empire's glory and defenses, but then came the Fourth Crusade and the utterly incompetent Angelos dynasty who made it worse.

[@OperatorMax1993]

@@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221 and the Latin Empire became a thing

[@claudiu-mihaipuiu1221]

@@OperatorMax1993 The Latin Empire wasn't even the true successor to the Empire, the Niceean Empire was, who eventually reconquered the territories taken by the Latin Empire, but the Empire itself was in shambles and a shadow of its former self, sadly.

[@ForzaStiinta64]

This was maybe your best video because it'a about a subject dear to my heart.

[@stormsurge2103]

I hope you do a video on that “Thing” Emperor Sigismund had to “Czech” out for.😋

[@TheoneandonlyVaken]

The only problem with this Is that the Church of Rome split off from the Orthodox Church. Because to simplify it, the pope was power hungry

[@RizzstrainingOrder66]

Really great video and an awesome way to portray the Fall of this important city, loved to watch :D

[@brianholmes1812]

Great, now I feel patriotism for a country that hasn't existed for nearly 600 years

[@Artaxian_Debacle]

Wasn’t expecting to cry today

[@Nazrigar]

Gosh, your animations have improved so much, appropriate for SUCH a great episode like this!

[@JackRackam]

Many thanks! 😃

[@mylesjude233]

Awesome video describing the fall of Constaninople. Also have you heard about this myth attributed to constantine xi, where he was saved from death by an angel and turned into a marble statue, hidden away until the day where The Roman Enpire may be restored and he will seek vengeance against the Turks.

[@danz1182]

Great video. I cannot remember the source, but i recall a description of the end wherein Constantine, realizing all was lost, cast down all his imperial insignia so as to be as indistinguishible as possible from the solidiers around him and threw himself into the fray. The Ottomans searched for his body unsuccessfully for 3 days. This should be a movie.

[@baliyae]

I was wondering when you were going to talk about Constantine XI, as well as the fall of Constantinople. I enjoy your videos, Jack. Keep up the good work, dude. 😎👍🏻

[@liubei3058]

Oh, Daqin… A Red Dragon sheds its tears on the days of The XI’s Last. If but the Eagle had shared it’s nest just a ways closer to the Dragon, would their dreams have continued, or fade to night terror? Had but our Empires, of Daqin and Han, born of the same eras and struggled from the start, met. Would a force, either on earth or heaven, ever challenge their shared might? The Red Dragon who gave us Emperor Gaozu,the Lupa Capitolina who gave us Romulus, the Eagle that carried Augustus… Our Empires cried and wailed, bouncing back, at many the same occasions. The Crisis Of The Third Century, we remember of our Era of Three Kingdoms when three dragons fought for unification, so too did Daqin see three eagles rise and rend their nations asunder. The Han did fall that day, as I was not as strong as the Resitutor Orbis. Oh Daqin, if but we had only met, would we have been destined to rule the world together as long lost kin? Yet, the Han Dynasty lives on in the Han Chinese, and Rome’s Eagle resides over the hearts of those who live in the lands it had once spread a wing over. May the universe never forget the days when the Roar of The Red Dragon shook the heavens and the Eagle’s Wings forced the very earth to tremble.

[@chideraalexanderdex547]

Not much gets me emotional but that ending... The speech all the way up to the transition to the time of the republic... It just got me Roma aeterna, semper vivis