This is noteworthy, indeed. Like so many other Christian leaders, Constantine XI (1404-1453) is a forgotten and unsung hero in the West’s long war with Islam, not least due to his inspiring—though ultimately tragic—defense of Constantinople against the Muslim Turks. That moving story is retold below.

On becoming Ottoman sultan in 1451, Muhammad II (1432-1481) “swore by the god of their false prophet, by the prophet whose name he bore,” a bitter contemporary chronicler retrospectively wrote, that “he was their [Constantinople’s] friend, and would remain for the whole of his life a friend and ally of the City and its ruler Constantine [XI].” Although the Christians believed him, Muhammad was taking advantage of the basest arts of dissimulation and deceit afforded by Islam.  “Peace,” as Edward Gibbon observed, “was on his lips while war was in his heart.”

What was in his heart became apparent a year later. In early 1452, Muhammad blockaded Constantinople and began to destroy churches and monasteries. Emperor Constantine sent him messengers inquiring about their peace treaty; they were beheaded or impaled.

Seeing that Muhammad was clearly preparing to besiege Constantinople, Constantine sent a final message: “As it is clear that you desire war more than peace … so let it be according to your desire. I turn now and look to God alone … However I release you from all your oaths and treaties with me, and, closing the gates of my capital, I will defend my people to the last drop of my blood.”

The defenders were, however, totally outnumbered by the Muslims; and although Constantine beseeched the West for aid, few came. Worse, “there were also some worthless, cowardly noblemen and inhabitants of the City who fled with their households, as they feared war and our adversaries,” writes George Sphrantzes, a court historian and confidant of Constantine. “When this was reported to the emperor, he took no action against them, but sighed deeply.”

During the siege, which began in April 1453, many implored Constantine to quit the city; he could fight the Ottomans more effectively without than within his walls, they argued, and possibly get aid. “I thank all for the advice which you have given me,” responded Constantine, but “how could I leave the churches of our Lord, and His servants the clergy, and the throne, and my people in such a plight? What would the world say about me? I pray you, my friends, in future do not say to me anything else but ‘Nay, Sire, do not leave us!’ Never, never will I leave you! I am resolved to die here with you!”