Long Walls

The Long Walls (Ancient Greek: Μακρὰ Τείχη) was a structure that connected Athens' main city to its ports at Piraeus and Phaleron.

Built in several phases, they provided a secure connection to the sea during times of siege. The walls were about 6 km (3.7 mi) in length. They were initially constructed in the mid-5th century BC, and destroyed by the Spartans in 403 BC after Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War. They were rebuilt with Persian support during the Corinthian War in 395–391 BC.

The Long Walls were a key element of Athenian military strategy, since they provided the city with a constant link to the sea and thwarted sieges conducted by land alone.