Ep 3. Into The Golden Horn

In "Rise of Empires: Ottoman" season 1 episode 3, titled "Into The Golden Horn", the Ottoman forces have captured Constantinople's outer walls and are now preparing for their triumphant entry into the city. The episode starts off with Sultan Mehmed II meeting with his advisers to discuss their next move. He has a plan to attack the city from the Golden Horn, a narrow inlet that separates the city from the rest of the waterways. This would allow his forces to enter the city from its most vulnerable point and take it easily.

The plan, however, is not without its challenges. Mehmed orders the construction of a massive cannon that can breach the city's walls, but its sheer size makes it difficult to transport. The Ottoman army also faces a shortage of soldiers, food, and supplies. Despite these obstacles, the sultan is determined to see his plan through.

Meanwhile, the defenders of Constantinople are scrambling to come up with a plan to counter the Ottoman attack. The city's walls are in disrepair and the defenders are vastly outnumbered. The Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI, knows that his only hope is to hold out until reinforcements arrive. But time is running out and his forces are weakening.

The Ottoman navy launches a surprise attack on the Byzantine fleet, destroying most of their ships and cutting off the city's supply line. As a result, the defenders are forced to ration their food and drink from contaminated wells. Disease and starvation set in, making the situation even more dire.

With their backs against the wall, the Byzantine defenders make a desperate attempt to reinforce their weakened walls. They use whatever materials they can find, including old tombstones from a nearby cemetery. Despite their efforts, the walls continue to crumble under the Ottoman bombardment.

Things look grim for the Byzantines as the Ottomans prepare to launch their final assault. Mehmed orders the massive cannon to be positioned at the edge of the Golden Horn, aiming directly at the city's walls. The cannon blasts a huge hole in the wall, and Ottoman troops swarm through the breach.

In the chaos that follows, a small group of Byzantine soldiers attempt to hold back the invading forces. They launch a surprise attack on the Ottomans, using their knowledge of the city's narrow streets to their advantage. The ensuing battle is chaotic and brutal, with both sides suffering heavy losses.

As the episode draws to a close, the Ottoman army is slowly but surely gaining ground in the city. Mehmed himself enters the city, taking control of the Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous churches in the world. The Byzantine defenders are pushed back further and further, with their chances of survival looking increasingly grim.

In "Into The Golden Horn", the stakes are higher than ever as the Ottoman forces launch their final assault on Constantinople. Despite their bravery and determination, the Byzantine defenders are outmatched and outnumbered. Will they be able to hold out long enough for reinforcements to arrive? Or will the city fall to the Ottomans, ushering in a new era of history?