List of sieges of Constantinople

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For the final siege of Constantinople, see Fall of Constantinople.

The 1453 Siege of Constantinople (painted 1499)

There were several sieges of Constantinople during the history of the Byzantine Empire. Two of them resulted in the capture of Constantinople from Byzantine rule: in 1204 by Crusaders, and in 1453 by the Ottoman Empire under Mehmed II.

Persian and Arab Sieges of Constantinople

The first siege by the Fourth Crusade in 1203, in which Alexius IV was able to usurp the throne after Alexius III fled to Thrace.
The successful second siege by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, in which the Byzantines were overwhelmed and the Capital thoroughly sacked.

An unsuccessful attempt in 1235, by Bulgarian and Nicaean forces, to retake the city.
A second unsuccessful siege of Constantinople and Galata, in January-April 1260.
In 1261, a small force of Nicaean troops under Alexios Strategopoulos gained entry into the poorly defended Latin capital, ending the Latin Empire and restoring Byzantine rule to the City. Most Latin troops defending the city were absent on campaign, and the Emperor fled without putting any resistance; there was no siege.

An Ottoman blockade between 1390 - 1402, interrupted first by the Crusade of Nicopolis then successfully lifted by the Battle of Ankara.

The First Ottoman Siege of Constantinople (1422), which ended in a Byzantine victory.