Defensive Fortifications Sesklo and Dimini fortifications

1 defensive fortifications

1.1 protection
1.2 construction
1.3 destruction

defensive fortifications
protection

valuable oyster shell used dimini settlement

building wall alone has been said statement capabilities , level of preparedness of settlement defend @ least. decision build them expresses lack of trust sesklo , dimini may have had in each other or in other neolithic sites. these settlements felt need consolidate , protect themselves, indicating @ least apprehension. further, dimini largely in control of production , exchange of exotic , valuable type of oyster shell, used in creating personal ornaments rings, beads, , buttons. limited few elites , functioned expression of status. fortifications have protected valuable asset. various types of weapons have been found @ sesklo, including stone projectile points, clay , stone sling bullets, axes, , knives. if these weapons used in warfare context, fortified sites have provided necessary defense , protection. note, however, many of these weapons have had alternative purposes, including hunting.

construction

the lion gate @ mycenae, serves similar function baffle gates @ sesklo , dimini.

other neolithic sites in europe built structures using same construction methods military function has been argued convincingly. unlikely sesklo , dimini have used same mechanisms entirely different purposes. large empty areas of land act buffer zone separate settlements @ war , expose invaders cross them approach opposing settlement, giving defenders opportunity prepare. presence of such no man’s lands in thessaly indicates there may have been conflict , need defensive fortifications. walls @ both settlements included baffle gates, classic characteristic of other fortified sites during time period in greece. feature forces invaders expose flanks requiring them turn left, exposing unshielded right side. sesklo had 1 such gate on western side, not protected steep ravine located on eastern side of settlement. dimini had 4 or 5 of these gates, other narrow openings living , working areas, easy defend, slow down , confuse invaders, , give inhabitants multiple exits.

destruction

the remains @ sesklo indicate extensive burning , destruction, serving significant evidence conflict. there information suggest dimini may blame destruction @ sesklo. however, important note burning have been due other causes, including use of flammable building materials.