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The Mystery of the Defense Chain Mechanism of Constantinople

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Explorations in the History of Machines and Mechanisms

Part of the book series: History of Mechanism and Machine Science ((HMMS,volume 15))

Abstract

Istanbul, Turkey, is rich in relics of the Roman Empire. We are particularly interested in the iron chain that is said to have closed off a huge gulf to entry by strange ships. The width of the strait across which the gigantic chain was allegedly laid is well over 500 m. The chain gate was closed to keep out unwanted ships and opened to let allies in. How did it work? Where was it actually located? We try to solve this mystery based on available materials and rational considerations.

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Correspondence to Junichi Takeno .

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© 2012 Springer Netherlands

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Takeno, J., Takeno, Y. (2012). The Mystery of the Defense Chain Mechanism of Constantinople. In: Koetsier, T., Ceccarelli, M. (eds) Explorations in the History of Machines and Mechanisms. History of Mechanism and Machine Science, vol 15. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4132-4_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4132-4_14

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-007-4131-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-4132-4

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

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