- The most common form of defense was to build city walls.
- These walls were typically made of stone or brick, and were often several meters thick.
- They were also often equipped with towers and gates, which could be used to defend against attackers.
- The walls of Troy, for example, were said to be so tall that they could not be scaled.
2. Moats
- Another common defense was to dig a moat around the city.
- Moats made it more difficult for attackers to reach the city walls, as they had to cross the water-filled trench first.
- The moat of Sparta was said to be so wide and deep that it was impossible to cross.
3. Forts and Outposts
- The ancient Greeks also built forts and outposts to protect their cities.
- These fortifications were typically located on high ground, or in strategic locations such as mountain passes or river crossings.
- They could be used to harass attackers, or to provide early warning of an approaching enemy.
4. Military Training and Tactics
- The ancient Greeks were also known for their military training and tactics.
- They were well-organized and disciplined, and were skilled in using a variety of weapons and strategies.
- The phalanx, for example, was a formation of heavily armed infantry that was virtually impenetrable to enemy attacks.
5. Diplomacy and Alliances
- Finally, the ancient Greeks also used diplomacy and alliances to protect their cities.
- They would often form alliances with other city-states, or with foreign powers, in order to deter potential attackers.
- For example, the Delian League was an alliance of Greek city-states that was formed to protect against the threat of Persia.
