Building of the Long Walls of Athens: What Happened
Between about 461 and 456 BC, Athens built the Long Walls, a pair of massive fortification walls running about six kilometers from the city to its harbor at Piraeus, with a third wall to the older port of Phaleron. The idea built on the strategy of Themistocles, who had fortified Piraeus and believed Athens' future lay at sea. Pericles later added a middle wall to strengthen the defenses. The walls created a protected corridor linking the city to the sea, turning Athens and its port into a single fortress. The purpose was simple but powerful. As long as Athens controlled the sea and the walls held, no land army could starve the city into surrender, because food and supplies could always arrive by ship. This made Athens almost untouchable to Sparta, the dominant land power in Greece. During the Peloponnesian War, Pericles relied on this strategy, bringing the population inside the walls while Spartan armies ravaged the countryside. After Athens' defeat in 404 BC, the Spartans forced the Athenians to tear the walls down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Long Walls of Athens?
The Long Walls were fortification walls about six kilometers long, built around 461 to 456 BC, linking Athens to its port at Piraeus and the older port of Phaleron.
Why did Athens build the Long Walls?
The walls turned Athens and its port into a single fortress. As long as Athens controlled the sea, food could arrive by ship, and no land army could starve the city.
Who built the Long Walls?
The walls built on the strategy of Themistocles, who fortified Piraeus. Pericles later added a middle wall to strengthen the defenses.
How were the Long Walls used in the Peloponnesian War?
Pericles brought the population of Attica inside the walls while Spartan armies ravaged the countryside, relying on the navy to keep the city supplied.
What happened to the Long Walls?
After Athens lost the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC, Sparta forced the Athenians to tear down the walls. They were later rebuilt by Conon in the 390s BC with Persian money.
More Events from Classical Greece
