Mehmed II understood that he faced a formidable challenge in conquering Constantinople, a city renowned for its massive walls and strong defenses. To overcome this, he devised a multifaceted strategy that played to his strengths while exploiting the weaknesses of his adversaries.

Firstly, Mehmed II recognized the importance of naval supremacy in conquering a city surrounded by water on three sides. He summoned his engineers and shipbuilders to construct a formidable fleet, including massive warships known as galleons. These vessels would provide crucial support during the siege, bombarding the city's walls and disrupting Byzantine supply lines.

Simultaneously, Mehmed II invested heavily in his army's artillery capabilities. He procured the services of master gunsmiths and engineers from across Europe and Asia, tasking them with creating powerful cannons. These cannons were larger and more advanced than anything the Byzantines had ever encountered, capable of breaching even the most formidable walls.

To further his advantage, Mehmed II employed a diplomatic strategy. He fostered alliances with various European powers who had grown wary of the Byzantine Empire's influence. By securing their support or, at the very least, their neutrality, he ensured that the Byzantines would face isolation and limited aid in their defense.

As the siege commenced, Mehmed II faced fierce resistance from the Byzantine defenders. But he remained undeterred, employing psychological warfare to weaken their resolve. He launched a series of relentless assaults, testing the city's defenses, and launching sporadic attacks to keep the defenders on edge.

However, the turning point came when Mehmed II employed a daring maneuver. Recognizing that the city's defenses were strongest on land, he ordered his men to transport his fleet overland using a specially constructed system of logs and greased rails. This unexpected move caught the Byzantines off guard, allowing the Ottomans to bypass the city's strongest defenses and launch a surprise attack from the sea.

With breaches in the walls and the city's defenders overwhelmed, Constantinople succumbed to the Ottoman forces on May 29th, 1453. The fall of Constantinople marked a significant turning point in history, signaling the end of the Byzantine Empire and the rise of the Ottoman Empire as a dominant power.

Mehmed II's superpower mindset, combining military innovation, strategic cunning, and diplomatic maneuvering, allowed him to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. His victory forever altered the course of history, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

The overland movement of ship fleets during the siege of Constantinople was indeed a surprise to the Byzantine defenders at the time.

The Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II, recognized the formidable defenses of Constantinople, which made a direct assault from the sea a challenging feat. To overcome this obstacle, he devised a bold and unexpected plan. Under the cover of darkness, Mehmed II ordered his men to transport their ships overland, using a system of logs and greased rails. This maneuver allowed them to bypass the city's strongest defense points and launch an unexpected attack from the sea.

The Byzantine defenders, who were primarily focused on repelling attacks from the land, did not anticipate such a daring move. The sudden appearance of the Ottoman fleet on the Golden Horn, the waterway on the northern side of Constantinople, caught them by surprise. This strategic maneuver, combined with the relentless bombardment from both land and sea, placed the Byzantines in a vulnerable position and ultimately contributed to the fall of Constantinople.

Mehmed II's decision to transport his fleet overland was indeed a surprise tactic that played a crucial role in the success of his siege. It was a testament to his innovative thinking and ability to adapt his strategies to overcome the formidable defenses of Constantinople.