The Historical, Topographic and Architectural Definitions of “Geländemauer” City Walls in Karia

Abstract

In the early 4th Century BC, the systematical constructions of ‘Geländemauer’ city walls began in Karia under the Hekatomnid rule. Henceforth, ‘Geländemauer’ city walls became the most advanced and sophisticated fortification system in Western Anatolia, both in tactical and topographical points, until the end of the 3rd century BC. On this type of city wall, defined by scholars as “Geländemauer” circuits, the traces of walls follow the high ridges and summits of the lands, aiming to gain the topography’s natural defense advantage.

Keywords

• Fortification
• Urbanization
• Karia
• Geländemauer
• Halikarnassos
• Emplekton