Siege of Constantinople (626): What Happened
In the summer of 626 AD, Constantinople faced one of the most dangerous threats in its history, a combined siege by the Avars and Slavs from the west and the Persians from the east. The emperor Heraclius was away campaigning deep in Persian territory, and the defense of the city was led by the Patriarch Sergius and the patrician Bonus. A huge Avar army with Slavic allies surrounded the land walls, while a Persian army under the general Shahrbaraz camped across the Bosporus on the Asian shore. The Avars and Persians planned to join forces, with Slavic boats ferrying Persian troops across the strait. The great Theodosian Walls held against the Avar assaults. Then the Byzantine navy destroyed the Slavic canoes in the waters of the Golden Horn, ending any chance of the two armies uniting. The Avars abandoned the siege and withdrew. The people of Constantinople credited their salvation to the Virgin Mary, the city's protector. According to tradition, the famous Akathist Hymn to the Virgin was sung in thanksgiving for this deliverance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Siege of Constantinople in 626?
In 626 AD, Avars and Slavs attacked Constantinople from the west while a Persian army camped across the Bosporus, in a combined siege of the Byzantine capital.
Who defended Constantinople in 626?
With the emperor Heraclius away fighting in Persia, the defense was led by the Patriarch Sergius and the patrician Bonus.
How was Constantinople saved in 626?
The Theodosian Walls held, and the Byzantine navy destroyed the Slavic boats that were meant to ferry Persian troops across, preventing the armies from joining.
What is the Akathist Hymn?
The Akathist Hymn is a famous hymn to the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, it was sung in thanksgiving for the city's deliverance in 626 AD.
Why did the people credit the Virgin Mary?
The people of Constantinople regarded the Virgin Mary as the city's protector and believed her intercession saved them from the siege.
