Costantinopoli 1453: ‘infedeli' e 'nemici' tra diritto e teologia

The day Constantinople fell to the Ottomans (29 May 1453) was a momentous date that changed not only the fate of the ancient capital of the Eastern Roman Empire, but also that of Europe and Christianity. This study attempts to explore the concept of 'crusade' in the fifteenth century, whether it had changed, and the basis of the power to call for a crusade. Historically, the fact that this power was universally recognised as belonging to the Pope strengthened a papacy that had been weakened by the debates of the Councils. The concept of 'infideles' in anti-Islamic literature and legal thought is also examined.