Piraeus

Piraeus, the harbour of Athens, is situated five miles from the city on a peninsula. Formerly Phalerum was the harbour; but Themistocles saw the value of the peninsular position, and began to construct the harbour. The Long Walls, connecting the new harbour with Athens, were built between 457 and 431. They were destroyed by the Spartans at the end of the Peloponnesian War, were restored by Conon, but fell later into ruins. There were originally three harbours, two on the E.: Zea (Stratiotiki) and Munychia (Phanari), and on the W. Pireeus, which was divided into Cantharus (for war ships) and Emporium (for merchant vessels). The harbour is deep, and admits large vessels. A carriage road and two railways lead to Athens.