The fortress of Eleutherai has been built at a strategic position for control of the narrow pass leading from Boeotia to Attica. From this point there is an unbroken view toward the ancient passage to the west and over the plain of Oinoe to the southeast. Its date between 370 and 360 B.C. places it in the Athenian defence system that was evidently constructed along the borders of Attica during the 4th century B.C.

The line of the fortress follows the line of the hilltop, enclosing an area of 300 x 100 metres, with circuit walls 860 metres in length. The vulnerable north side has a strongly constructed wall, preserved to a height of some 4 to 6 metres, with two small sally - ports. It is reinforced by seven square towers, 6 metres along the side, that project from the two faces of of the wall and are connected by a curtain wall with a parapet - walk. Two gateways provide entrance to the fortress: the main, double gateway is at the west above the control -road; the secondary entrance, at the southeast side, with a small gateway, connects the fortress with the city of Eleutherai by way of the south slopes of the hill. In addition to the north side, the other sides two are reinforced, but with fewer towers preserved only to a low level. Their masonry is in places polygonal and irregular, evidently because of the terrain.

Preserved in the interior, close to the north side, are the foundations of a building measuring 16 x 11 metres, evidently with two storeys, with polygonal wall construction, a central passageway and a pair of rooms at each side. It is probably to be dated to a phase earlier than the fortress and it will have served as in installation facility for a garrison. It is possible too that it served for billeting even after the fortress was completed. Fragmentary low walls, scattered through the interior area of the fortress, indicate that there were other such buildings as well.

3rd EPHORATE OF PREHISTORIC & CLASSICAL ANTIQUITIES”