Polygonal Walls (Mura Poligonali)

The Mura Poligonali of Amelia in Umbria are among Italy's most impressive pre-Roman fortifications, extending over 2 km around the historic centre with walls reaching 6 metres in height and 3.5 metres in thickness. Built using large, irregularly shaped limestone blocks stacked without mortar, the walls rely solely on the weight of the stones for stability. Scholars date the main construction phase to between the late 4th and 3rd centuries BC. The circuit originally enclosed about 20 hectares with six gates, of which four remain in use. Eighteenth-century scholars romantically attributed these structures to mythological Pelasgic or Cyclopean builders.