Does this seemingly isolated house hold secrets? This is the Dema House. It stands as a testament to classical Attica.
The Dema House was discovered during a survey. This survey focused on the Dema Wall in Attica. The house is located in front of a vulnerable section of the wall. Its relation to the wall sparked interest. The building’s unique fifth-century B.C. design also demanded attention.
For clarity, it became known as the Dema House.
Preliminary cleaning occurred in 1958. Complete excavation followed in 1960. These efforts aimed to understand its history.
The British School at Athens supported the work. They provided encouragement and equipment. The Agora Excavation also helped. They loaned equipment and skilled workmen.
Local negotiations were key. Mr. Demetrios Christodoulou facilitated these in 1958.
S. J. E. Jones helped on site. He worked with the sherds and created the plan. Miss Lucy Talcott, Miss Virginia Grace, and Professor E. Vanderpool guided on the sherds. Mr. B. Sparkes offered guidance on small finds.
In 1958, the work was limited. Permits restricted the team to cleaning. The goal was to uncover more of the plan. Two locally hired men assisted. The site was fully uncovered in August 1960. Four experienced Agora workers and two local men helped. After excavation, the house was left open. Earth was banked to protect the walls.
A visit in May 1962 revealed changes. The municipal authorities of Athens had taken the area. A new road had been bulldozed to the site. The area below the Dema House was being filled with city refuse.
The Dema Wall itself is an ancient structure. It stretches about 4.5 km. The wall connects Mount Aigaleo and Parnitha. Archaeologists have debated its purpose and age. Based on stonework and ceramics, it dates to the Boeotic War era. That’s roughly 378 to 377 B.C.
The wall earned the name “Dema.” Archaeologist Stirlingdau considered it mysterious. It resembled the Inca stronghold in Sashuhuaman, Peru. “Dema” signifies the connection. It tied the southwest side of Parnitha to the Aigaleo range. The wall featured six square towers and a circular one. The circular tower still stands on Pyrgathi hill.
East of the Dema is another wall. It is more robust and called the “back Wall”. This wall is 200 meters long. It lies in the plains of Ano Liosia. Its purpose was to repel attacks and enable counterattacks.
Mark H. Munn wrote about it. His book is titled “The Defense of Attica – The Dema Wall and the Boiotian War of 378-375 B.C.” He notes the countryside’s ancient defenses. These include towers, enclosures, and the Dema Wall.
Thucydides noted Spartan encampments. They camped in the area during the Peloponnesian War. They destroyed the countryside of Attica.
The Dema House, isolated yet connected, whispers tales of ancient Athens. Its stones echo with history. Its story links to the defense of Attica.