Sasanian defense lines
The defense lines (or "limes") of the Sasanians were part of their military strategy and tactics. They were networks of fortifications, walls, and/or ditches built opposite the territory of the enemies.[1] These defense lines are known from tradition and archaeological evidence.[2]
The fortress systems of the Western, Arabian, and Central Asian fronts were of both defensive and offensive functions.[3]
The Darial Gorge
Darial Gorge, 1847
Darial Gorge, before 1919
Interpretation[edit]
Recently, Touraj Daryaee has suggested the defensive walls may have had symbolic, ideological and psychological dimension as well, connecting the practice of enclosing the Iranian (ēr) lands against non-Iranian (anēr) barbarians to the cultural elements and ideas present among Iranians since ancient times, such as the idea of walled paradise gardens.[11]