ΕΝ ΙΝ ΙΑ †
(9) An inscription on the fourth tower from the Sea of Marmora records repairs by the Emperor Romanus:
“Romanus, the Great Emperor of all the Romans, the Most Great, erected this tower new from the foundations.”
As four emperors bore the name Romanus, it is not certain to which of them reference is here made. The fact that earthquakes occurred in the reign of Romanus III. Argyrus, first in 1032, and again in 1033,[[409]] is in favour of the view that the inscription was in his honour.
Diagram Showing the Interior of a Tower in the Theodosian Walls.
(10) During the period of the Comneni, particular attention was given to the state of the fortifications by Manuel Comnenus,[[410]] and by Andronicus I. Comnenus.[[411]] As will appear in the sequel, the former was concerned mainly with the defences in the neighbourhood of the Palace of Blachernæ, beyond the Theodosian Walls. The interest of Andronicus in the matter was roused by fear lest the Normans, who had captured and sacked Thessalonica in 1185, would advance upon the capital. After making a minute inspection of the walls in person, Andronicus ordered the immediate repair of the portions fallen into decay, as well as the removal of all houses whose proximity to the fortifications might facilitate escalade.
(11) Under the Palæologi, the Walls of Theodosius, after their long service of eight centuries, demanded frequent and extensive restoration, in view of the dangers which menaced them.
Hence, on the recovery of Constantinople from the Latins in 1261, Michael Palæologus, fearing the Western Powers would attempt to regain the place, took measures to put the fortifications in a proper state of defence. His chief attention was devoted to the improvement of the bulwarks guarding the shores of the city, as those most exposed to attack by the maritime states of Europe, but he did not overlook the land walls.[[412]]