History of the Peloponnesian War

For the lower courses consist of all sorts of stones, in some cases not even hewn to fit but just as they were when the several workers brought them, and many columns from grave monuments and stones wrought for other purposes were built in. For the circuit-wall of the city was extended in every direction, and on this account they laid hands upon everything alike in their haste.

Themistocles, moreover, persuaded them also to finish the walls of the Peiraeus, a beginning of which had been made during the year in which he was archon of the Athenians; for he considered that the Peiraeus with its three natural harbours[*](The Peiraeus, here in widest sense, is the peninsula, the heart of which is the steep height of Munychia, from which it stretches into the sea like an indented leaf, forming three natural basins—the Peiraeus, Zea, Munychia.) was a fine site to develop and that to have become a nation of seamen would be a great advantage to the Athenians themselves, with a view to their acquisition of power—

indeed it was he who first dared declare that they must apply themselves to the sea—and so he immediately took the first steps in this undertaking.[*](Others render: immediately began to help them to lay the foundation of their empire.)

And following his advice they built the wall round the Peiraeus of the thickness that may still be observed; for two wagons carrying the stones could meet and pass each other. Inside, moreover, there was neither rubble nor mortar, but stones of large size hewn square were closely laid together, bound to one another on the outside with iron clamps and lead.