Piraeus (or Peiraieus) was the ancient port of Athens throughout the Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic periods and in fact consisted of three separate harbours - Kantharos, Zea, and Munichia. The first was the largest and used for commercial activity, whilst part of Kantharos and the other two smaller harbours were reserved for military use to house the massive Athenian fleet which allowed the city to be one of the most powerful players in Greece and the wider Mediterranean throughout antiquity.
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Definition
Timeline
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493 BCEThe first fortifications are constructed at Athens' port of Piraeus.
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c. 483 BCEThemistocles persuades the Athenians to significantly expand their fleet, which saves them at Salamis and becomes their source of power.
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480 BCEThe fortifications of Piraeus instigated by Themistocles are completed.
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c. 465 BCEConstruction of the Long Walls fortifications joining Athens to the port of Piraeus are begun.
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446 BCEThe Middle Wall fortifications are added to the Long Walls which connect Athens and the port of Piraeus.
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429 BCEFollowing attacks by Sparta, fortifications at the port of Piraeus are extended to reduce the width of the harbour entrances.
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404 BCESpartan general Lysander attacks the Athenian port of Piraeus destroying parts of the Long Wall fortifications.
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387 BCESparta attacks the Athenian port of Piraeus.
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86 BCEThe Roman general Sulla sacks Athens and the port of Piraeus.
