page_title: Euryalus fortress
section_title: Strategic elements
hierarchical_section_title: Euryalus fortress / Description / Strategic elements
caption_attribution_description: Italiano: Ricostruzione del castello Eurialo di L. Mauceri
context_page_description: The Euryalus Fortress located in the frazione of Belvedere, was the key point in the fortifications of the ancient Greek city of Syracuse. It is located on the highest point of the hill of Epipolae, around 7 km northwest of Syracuse.
context_section_description: The whole construction consists of different strategic elements which serve to surprise attackers. The complex system of galleries allowed troops to move from one part of the fortress to another without being seen from outside.
  The ditches on the north side of the castle are visible only when one is very close to them, so that in an attack, there would have been a real danger of falling in and being killed by sentries, especially during rapid assaults. Additionally, there are many places in which it is possible to conceal defending troops in ambush - like the large number of galleries
  The trypilon was built in a way that limits frontal attacks on the city and such that the Dionysian walls limited line-of-sight to the right of the gate, as well as attacks with battering rams. The side towers and the fortificatios also limit the effectiveness of an attack. The gate is linked to a gallery which allows movement between ditch D and H.
caption: Reconstruction of the fortress according to Luigi Mauceri
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