Wall of Christoupolis #1352

Description

The wall was constructed in 1307 by order of the Byzantine emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos. Its construction was prompted by an attempted invasion of the city by the Catalan Company in 1306.

The Catalan Company was a group of mercenaries from Catalonia, Italy, and Aragon, hired by the Byzantines in 1303 to fight against the Turks. Although initially effective, the Company turned against the Byzantines when they were not paid as promised, and began attacking Greek territories. Operating from Gallipoli, they started pillaging towns across Thrace. In 1306, they moved westward, looting cities in Thrace and eastern Macedonia. Only two cities successfully resisted their onslaught: Thessaloniki and Christoupolis. The medieval chronicle of the Catalan Company, written by Ramon Muntaner, proudly notes that only four Greek cities escaped their plunder: Constantinople, Adrianople, Thessaloniki, and Christoupolis.