Stones, Names, Stories, and Bodies: Pausanias before the Walls of Seven-Gated Thebes

The walls of Thebes, a symbol of myth and history, are analyzed through four interconnected dimensions: the stones used in their construction, the names of their gates, the stories tied to them, and the bodies of heroes associated with their defense. This study reveals that these elements form an intricate, interdependent corpus of knowledge, where each aspect both influences and is shaped by the others in complex, non-linear ways. By examining ancient texts like Pausanias' descriptions, the research demonstrates how the walls of Thebes serve as a dynamic framework for understanding cultural narratives, architectural practices, and historical memory. The approach combines literary analysis with archaeological insights to uncover the layered significance of this iconic structure.

Hawes, G. (2016). Stones, Names, Stories, and Bodies: Pausanias before the Walls of Seven-Gated Thebes. Valuing Landscape in Classical Antiquity, 431–457. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004319714_018