Siege of Constantinople by the Turks. The great ambition of Mohammed was the overthrow of the Byzantine empire; and the Turks employed the autumn and winter of 1452 in making great preparations for the siege of Constantinople. Mohammed assembled the best troops of his empire at Adrianople; and got together a formidable collection of artillery. The actual siege began in April 1453; but at first little headway could be made even by the best Turkish artillery against the immensely strong fortifications of the city. On 29 May a general assault was made; and Constantinople was carried by storm in spite of the efforts of Constantine; who died fighting bravely amidst the enemy. Illustration for Hutchinson's History of the Nations (Hutchinson; c.1920). Note: Image has been digitally enhanced to facilitate repro.