A square ancient tower that is preserved in rather good condition, on Mt. Pateras, near the western coast of Attica.

Location & Strategic Scope

“Mikro Vathychori” and “Megalo Vathychori,” collectively known as Vathychoria, are two small plateaus surrounded by hills on the NW side of mountain Pateras in western Attica, not far from the western coast. This tower is at the northern edge of Mikro Vathychori.

History

The towers of the Vathychoria were built in the 4th century B.C. They were part of the defense system of the Megarian region guarding this mountain road for the armies marching from the Peloponnese to Boeotia. This is the road that was taken by troops when they wanted to avoid the Athenians, who controlled the more even road to the east beyond the mountain road.

Some believe that the purpose of the towers was merely to survey the agrarian estates in Vathychoria, given that the towers were not in a visible or strategic position.

Irrespective of the original use of the towers, they must have been remained in use for several centuries after their construction.

Structure, Fortification & Buildings

The tower is square measuring 5m✖5m and of 10m height.

It stands some 500 meters southeast of the round tower of Megalo Vathychori on the rural road to Mikro Vathychori. It too preserves archers’ slots, windows, a water spout, and an entrance on its south. Traces of an enclosure wall and a small settlement have also been found.

Sources