fortification walls of Messene

A city built as a political act. After Thebes broke Sparta's power in 371 BC, the Messenians, held in servitude by Sparta for centuries, were freed and given a new capital, fortified so heavily that Sparta could never take it back. Nine kilometres of walls with towers survive, along with the Arcadian Gate, a circular courtyard of colossal masonry. Inside is one of the most completely excavated ancient cities in Greece: stadium, theatre, sanctuary and council house, in a green bowl of hills, and far less visited than it deserves.