Aigosthena (Porto Germeno) is a small resort facing the eastern Corinthian Gulf. There is an archaeological site dating back to the late Classic/ early Hellenistic and the Byzantine periods.
Aigosthena is scarcely documented in ancient literature. Consequently the datation of the fortification should be based on the architectural style and the historical background. According to the information board on site, the most probable theory is that the Athenians and the Megarans constracted it in 343BC, when they made an alliance to prepare for the threat from the Thebans.
The acropolis was on the hilltop and the fortification wall is best preserved there. The wall actually continues to the sea so that also the port can be protected by it.
The tower of the south corner of the acropolis (in the photo below) is the best preserved.
The same tower from close. Built in square plan of 8.8 x 8.8 meters and about 18 m high.
A back gate of the eastern part of the Acropolis fortification.
It must have been used to make sortie as well.
An extension of the wall reaching to the sea.
Reference
- Christopher Mee & Antony Spawforth, Greece. An Oxford Archaeological Guide. Oxford/ OUP, 2001, p. 133-136.
- Information Board in the site