Vandalism at Athenian Long Walls

Staff rushed to remove the graffiti but there are concerns that longer hours at monuments could result in more vandalism

Football supporters defaced the ancient Athenian Long Walls with graffiti. The walls, originally erected in the 5th century BC, were destroyed by Sparta in 403 BC and were rebuilt with the help of the Persians during the Corinthian War.

Vandals also defaced the prison cell in the Acropolis where philosopher Socrates is believed to have been held prior to being made to kill himself in 399 BC by drinking hemlock for “corrupting the youth of Athens.”

Staff of the Greek Ministry of Culture removed the graffiti. The incident comes as the Greek state granted 24-hour access to major archeological sites. Staff are worried that the new hours coupled with the short-staffed personnel will lead to greater vandalism.

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