South Cross-wall, Meletus

 

The South cross-wall at Meletus is an excellent example of how far the art of fortification had advanced by the end of the period in question (500 to 130 BC). It was built in the late 2nd/1st Century BC, that is shortly after the city had been annexed by Rome. The wall provides evidence of the most extensive defensive activity ever undertaken in ancient Asia Minor. The only other example of such "offensive" defense is to be found in the Iasus mainland wall, which served, however, to protect a military camp. The Fortification of Perge and Side, although designed to accommodate greater firepower, are passive on the whole, featuring only a few posterns. The South cross-wall at Meletus comprised of heavily projecting rectangular towers with posterns flanking every tower. and straight curtains connecting the towers. Some of the curtains were abnormal, having engine stores in special arched bays at ground level. The towers provided powerful flanking fire The entire system and the absence of any moat in front of the fortifications, shows that an active defense was relied upon. Unfortunately, these fortifications are barely visible today -- having been excavated, they were almost completely buried again. (After Gerkan and Wiegand)

Reference:

Nosov, "Greek Formations Of Asia Minor; 500 -- 130 BC," Osprey Pub., Fortress 90,