The Athenian Long Walls: Chronology, topography and remains

Although the Athenian Long Walls were essential to Athens\u27 safety during the Classical period, the unusually full chronological evidence for their construction has never been fully examined, nor have scholars recognized the significance of their ample remains. This study establishes the walls\u27 building history on the basis of ancient literary and epigraphic evidence, examines topographic factors relevant to determining the course of the walls, and analyzes the archaeological remains. Introductory remarks and a summary of the relevant past scholarship take up Part I of the dissertation. Part II is concerned with the walls\u27 chronology. During the mid-fifth to late fourth centuries, the Long Walls were built from the ground up three times; a fourth and final phase was much less ambitious in scope. Out of use by ca. 300 B.C., the deteriorating structures nevertheless survived well into later antiquity. Part III discusses the topography of the region between Athens and the sea, through which the walls ran. The nature of the landscape is particularly important in determining the course of the structure which joined Athens and Phaleron, since no traces have ever been conclusively associated with that wall. The general line of the two walls which ran between Athens and Piraeus is certain, since substantial remains existed until the mid-nineteenth century. Part IV includes chapters which catalogue, describe and date the little known but abundant remains of the two Piraic walls. Twenty-five identifiable sections of these fortifications are examined here. Most of these, consisting of substructures built of blocks throughout the fabric, belong to phase 3 (330\u27s), but traces of the walls\u27 other two major building periods are also recognized. Finally, Part V addresses broader topics, including the historical context, defensive purpose and general significance of Athens\u27 Long Walls. Famed for their prominent role in Athens\u27 fifth-century defensive strategy, these fortifications continued to be essential to the city\u27s security right through the fourth century