Many legends and rumors surround the fate of Constantine Palaiologos XI, last ruler of the Byzantine Empire. What really happened to him when the Ottoman Turks took possession of his capital, on May 29, 1453?
Notes:
1) One of the most famous legends concerning Constantine says that, as he was about to be struck down by a Turk, he was seized by an angel, taken to a cave near the Golden Gate (one of the gates of Constantinople) and turned into marble. One day the angel will return Constantine to life, whereupon he will to restore the city to Christian rule.
2) Among other displays of Constantine's bravery, he rejected a chance offered to him by the Sultan – while the siege was in progress – to surrender Constantinople peacefully.
