Giovanni Giustiniani Longo was born in Genoa in 1418. He was a successful Genoese sailor and commander. He was part of the famous Doria family
Born in 1432 in Edirne, Mehmed II was the son of Sultan Murad II. Received comprehensive education in military strategy and administration. First reign began at age 12 after father's abdication
Mehmed II strengthened Ottoman navy and built Rumelihisarı fortress in Bosphorus. He levied toll on ships, including one Venetian vessel sunk with captain as scarecrow. His army numbered 80,000-200,000 troops and 320 vessels
Born in 1432, Fatih became Ottoman sultan at age 12. Faced external threats during first reign (1444-1446). Faced internal rivalry between Candarli Halil and Zaganos viziers
Ottoman preparations started one year before the conquest. Rumeli Castle was constructed to control the Bosphorus. A fleet of 16 galleys was formed and supply routes were controlled. First Ottoman forces appeared in front of Istanbul in April 1453