Long Walls

architectural feature, Athens, Greece

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June 30, 2026

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The Long Walls were a significant architectural feature of ancient Athens, built in the 5th century BCE. These parallel walls connected the city of Athens to its port at Piraeus, creating a protected corridor approximately 550 feet wide. This strategic construction allowed Athens to safely transport supplies from its powerful fleet to the city, even when the surrounding countryside was under enemy control. The Long Walls played a crucial role in Athens' survival and dominance during the Classical period. They were rebuilt after being demolished by the Spartans around 400 BCE, underscoring their importance to Athenian defense and prosperity.1

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Pericles
Revolts within the empire
…immediate construction of a third Long Wall to improve the defenses of Athens and the port of Piraeus. Henceforth, in effect, Athens could be turned into an island at will.
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…immediate construction of a third Long Wall to improve the defenses of Athens and the port of Piraeus. Henceforth, in effect, Athens could be turned into an island at will.
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Athens
Athens at its zenith
…20 years later the famous Long Walls were built, connecting the city with its port, Piraeus, four miles away. They were parallel over most of their course, forming a corridor 550 feet wide. These walls played a vital part in the history of Athens during the Classical period, for they…
Read More
…20 years later the famous Long Walls were built, connecting the city with its port, Piraeus, four miles away. They were parallel over most of their course, forming a corridor 550 feet wide. These walls played a vital part in the history of Athens during the Classical period, for they…
Read More

ancient Greek civilization
The scale of Athenian ambition
Third, Athens now built the Long Walls connecting it to Piraeus and thus the sea and enabling Athens to depend for the future on the produce of its empire if absolutely necessary. The walls, however, should not be thought of as purely defensive in view of the constant connection made…
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Third, Athens now built the Long Walls connecting it to Piraeus and thus the sea and enabling Athens to depend for the future on the produce of its empire if absolutely necessary. The walls, however, should not be thought of as purely defensive in view of the constant connection made…
Read More