The Last Emperor Of Constantinople

Xanthipi is the unusually beautiful daughter of wealthy and renowned Demetrius Cosenzamis. He is the master architect and restorer of the walls surrounding Constantinople to safeguard the kingdom from the anticipated attack of the Ottomans led by Sultan Muhammed II. Constantine XI, who has become emperor of Constantinople at this time, has seen and fallen in love with Xanthipi. She returns his love with a passion, but not being of royal blood, Constantine is forbidden to marry her. After Xanthipi learns of his marriage to another, she enters the convent of the Panagia to become a nun, rejecting earthly life. As Constantineas wife dies, he seeks out Xanthipi and proposes marriage, but Constantinople is beseiged by the Ottomans and fierce fighting ensues, destined to last for months as the noble Byzantines hold out against the multitude of the sultanas army greatly outnumbering them.a]