Chapter Six: The Arcuate Polygonal-Block Wall at Eleon

Abstract

The dominant archaeological feature visible at Eleon is a Late Archaic polygonal- block wall that extends 85 m southward from the excavated site along the eastern edge of the plateau, constructed from finely fitted panels of local grey limestone averaging 2 tons in weight. The wall is arcuate for most of its length and finished on each end with an angular bastion. Every part has lost at least one course, and the wall is completely leveled or buried for most of its length, but was originally at least four courses high, standing 4.5 m above its base. The north end of the wall underwent a low-quality ancient reconstruction. The techniques used to shape and shift the stone are considered, and the wall is compared with other stonework at the site. Further study will allow more thorough analysis of the wall’s archaeological context and its relationship with other Archaic and Classical constructions.