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Wall Block Inscribed with the Name of Alexander the Great
Marble wall block from the temple of Athena Polias at Priene, inscribed with the name of Alexander the Great, c. 334-330 BCE.
The British Museum, London.
Around 340 BCE, the inhabitants of Priene were laying out their new city, terraced onto the slope of Mt. Mykale. In 334 BCE, when Alexander reached Priene, the new temple of Athena Polias, goddess of the city, was still under construction. Alexander left funds for the completion of the building, which was designed by the architect Pythos, one of the architects of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. In return, Alexander's name was inscribed on the anta of the temple. The inscription may be translated as "King Alexander dedicated the temple of Athena Polias".
Questions & Answers
What is the oldest wall in the world?
- The oldest walls in the world are those of the temple of Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, dated to around 11,500 years ago.
What was the first walled city?
- The first walled city identified to date is Jericho, whose walls date to the 10th century BCE.
Which civilization was the first to use stone in building walls?
- Ancient Egypt was the first to use stone in building walls, though it is possible the Indus Valley Civilization was working in stone earlier.
What is the most famous wall in the world?
- The Great Wall of China is the most famous wall in the world.
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