For over a thousand years, the medieval city of Constantinople has been the jewel on the crown of the Roman Empire. Now, the once-mighty metropolis is broken down, with its defensive walls in shambles. Long have the neighboring Turks wanted to claim the city, and Mehmet—the impetuous new Turkish sultan—thinks he and his legions might finally have their chance. In defiance of his late father’s advisors, Mehmet vows to be the first leader in a millennium to wrench Constantinople from the Christians. He is determined to take the city from the weakened but beloved Emperor Constantine—even if he loses his throne and his life in the process.

An epic historical military adventure, Constantinopolis plots out the future of civilization as shaped by a number of fascinating characters, including one leader desperate to save his people from destruction and another determined to lead his nation to glory.

Revised edition: This edition of Constantinopolis includes editorial revisions.

James D. Shipman was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. While earning a degree in history from the University of Washington and a law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law, he began publishing short stories and poems; he also completed his first novel during that time. He opened his own law firm in 2004 and is still a practicing attorney today. He has served as a superior court judge and commissioner pro tem as well as an arbitrator in hundreds of legal cases. Constantinopolis, his first published novel, blends together his love of history and writing. An avid reader, especially of historical nonfiction, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his three children.