Imagine a line drawn in the sand. Now, envision that line as a formidable barrier, The Dema Wall, stretching across the land. The Dema Wall stands as a testament to ancient Athenian strategic thinking. It was designed to protect against potential invasions from the west.
The Dema Wall is located in Attica Greece. It closes a key Athenian pass west of Ano Liosia. The Dema Wall separates the Athenian and Eleusinian plains. These plains are divided by a chain of hills. Mount Aigaleos is the chief hill. It runs south from Mount Parnes to the sea. The sea lies west of Peiraeus and opposite Salamis.
Communication between the plains mainly happens through two gaps. One is a narrow southern gap. It carries the main road from Athens to Eleusis past Daphne. This is the ancient Sacred Way. The other is a wide northern gap. Until recently, it carried only the railway and a dirt track. Archidamos led the Spartans through this northern gap. This happened in the first year of the Peloponnesian War. Agis likely used the same route in 413 B.C. on his way to Dekeleia.
The Dema Wall spans this northern gap. It sits at the narrowest point. The wall acts as a barrier. It is built along the watershed between the two plains. Its purpose was to oppose any force coming from Eleusis. The Dema Wall is primarily rubble fieldwork. It stretches for 4360 meters. The southern two-thirds feature 53 short stretches of walling. Openings separate these stretches. Almost all stretches overlap each other from south to north. This creates sally ports. Two exceptions are actual gateways. This section of the wall is massive. It features a broad rampart. At times, it rises 2 meters above the ground to the west.
The northern third of The Dema Wall differs greatly. It appears unfinished. The rubble wall line is unbroken here. Only the foundation course is visible on the lower slopes. Remains of a crude breastwork exist on the higher slopes.
Dating The Dema Wall precisely remains a challenge. Limited evidence suggests construction in the second half of the 4th century B.C. However, the first half of the 3rd century B.C. is also possible. Numerous events could have prompted such a large project. These range from the threat of Philip after Chaironeia to the Chremonidean War. Without new evidence, choosing a specific event is difficult. The wall might have been built after Chaironeia. Macedonians could have manned it later.
Thirteen meters west of The Dema Wall lie the remains of a country house. It dates to the late 5th century B.C. The house sits at the foot of Aigaleos. It is immediately north of the railway. City refuse now covers it. Low rubble walls once formed socles for mudbrick. These walls outline a large rectangular structure measuring 22 by 16 meters. The main rooms faced south onto a court through a colonnade. Ceramic evidence indicates a short period of habitation. Historical factors suggest this occurred between the Peace of Nikias in 421 B.C. and the Spartan occupation of Dekeleia in 413 B.C.
Three kilometers further west are the remains of a fortified enclosure. It is known as the Thriasian Lager. It sits on the highest point of a spur within the pass. The circuit contains eight towers. Foundations of several buildings lie within. A narrow fieldwork runs from the fort southeast to the railway line. This military complex seems contemporary with The Dema Wall. A force planning to invade the Athenian plain may have built it.
Standing here before The Dema Wall, one can almost hear the echoes of soldiers. Imagine their vigilance. They were guarding against potential invaders. The Dema Wall stands as a silent guardian. It is a reminder of the strategic importance of this pass. It reflects the enduring need for defense in the ancient world.