The Ottoman Cannon: A Game-Changer for Warfare At Fort Nelson in Portsmouth, a historian explores an Ottoman cannon that played a crucial role in the conquest of Constantinople. This giant gun was inspired by earlier designs and represents significant advancements in artillery technology during its time. The cannon's creation involved Hungarian gunmaker Urban, who initially offered his services to the Byzantines but ultimately helped Sultan Muhammad Al Fat achieve his goal of capturing the city.
From Conquest to Legacy: The Journey of an Iconic Weapon This particular cannon is 17 feet long and showcases intricate Ottoman design elements along with inscriptions detailing its manufacture date and creator. It symbolizes not only military innovation but also marks the decline of Roman power after over a thousand years at Constantinople’s helm. After being used effectively for centuries, it was gifted to Queen Victoria by Sultan Abdulaziz and now resides at the Royal Armories Museum as an important historical artifact.