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Ancient Greece was home to some remarkable fortifications, and several of its famous walls played a crucial role in the defense of cities, especially during times of war. One of the most famous examples is the Walls of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad. While their exact historical reality is debated, the walls of the legendary city were said to be nearly impregnable and were central to the defense of Troy during the Trojan War. According to the myth, these walls were built by the gods, and the immense effort involved in their construction was reflected in their perceived strength. Over time, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of massive walls at the site of ancient Troy in modern-day Turkey, lending credence to the idea that the city was once a powerful and well-fortified center.

Another significant example is the Long Walls of Athens, which were integral to the defense of the city during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE). These two parallel walls stretched from Athens to its port, Piraeus, allowing the city to maintain communication and supply lines with the sea, even in the face of siege. The Long Walls were built in the mid-5th century BCE during the leadership of Pericles, and their construction symbolized the growing power of Athens as a naval and imperial force. These walls helped Athens endure the prolonged siege by the Spartans, as they could continue receiving supplies by sea. However, after the Peloponnesian War, the walls were destroyed by the Spartans, marking the end of Athens’ supremacy in the Greek world.

The City Walls of Corinth are another prominent example of ancient Greek fortifications. Corinth, a powerful city-state strategically located on the Isthmus of Corinth, built impressive walls to protect itself from invasion. The Corinthian walls were known for their robust construction and were a critical defense in the city’s prosperity. Corinth’s location was vital for controlling trade routes between the Peloponnesian and mainland Greece, and its walls protected this commercial and military hub. These walls, along with the Acrocorinth (the citadel of the city), were used for defense until the Romans captured Corinth in 146 BCE.

Finally, the Walls of Mycenae, dating back to the Bronze Age, are perhaps the most iconic of all ancient Greek fortifications due to their impressive architecture. The walls, known for the term Cyclopean (as they were believed to have been built by the giant Cyclopes due to the size of the stones), encircle the ancient city and the famous Lion Gate, which served as the main entrance. These walls were integral to the defense of Mycenae, a major center of Greek civilization during the late Bronze Age. The grandeur of Mycenae’s fortifications and the intricate stonework showcase the city’s military strength and its pivotal role in Greek history.