Sanctuaries and Cults in the Location of City Walls and City Gates: Testimony from the Kerameikos: Testimonia aus dem Kerameikos

Original title: Heiligtümer und Kulte im Bereich von Stadtmauern und Stadttoren

Abstract On the archaeological site of the Kerameikos a number of sanctuaries and cult sites are known from written records, epigraphic sources, and excavations. Given the location of the excavated area, these sites are all in direct proximity to city walls and city gates or at a short distance from them. It consequently makes sense to investigate the relationship these sanctuaries have with city walls, city gates and the city’s fortifications. In the first part of the article the sources are compiled and analysed. In the second part the specific role of tumuli and heroes’ tombs that stood in front of or beside the city walls and are attested in literature or by excavations is examined from the viewpoint of their being incorporated into Athens’ defence system.

Keywords Cult, city walls, city gate, tumuli, Asklepios