The city walls of the Triphylian cities Samikon, Platiana and Vrestos

Abstract

Original title: Die Stadtmauern der triphylischen Städte Samikon, Platiana und Vrestos

This paper presents the results of city wall investigations carried out as part of the architecture survey at the sites of Samikon, Platiana and Vrestos in the project ›The ancient settlement topography of Triphylia‹. One aim was to cast light on the context of their construction. Whereas the city walls in Samikon and Vrestos were built in a single construction phase, four principal construction phases can be distinguished in Platiana. There the gradual development can be reconstructed from a solitary guard post, first to militarily used, fortified plateaus and ultimately to city walls. The second aim was to explore what defensive strategies underlay the fortifications. Construction of the walls, which will have taken place between the 5^th and the 3^rd century B.C., is seen in the context of the individual city’s history as well as the political historical context of the region. The latter is of decisive importance for Triphylia, as during the 5th and 4th century B.C. the spheres of influence in the border region shifted frequently between the ancient hegemonial powers Elis, Sparta and Arcadia, which was reflected in the securing of conquered territory.