To the north of Poseidoneia the fine straight paved road leads to the great brackish marshlands which give Pella its name. It is the city's first line of defense against invasion from the sea as it cannot be crossed on foot in winter or in summer. Here the road becomes an easily defensible bridge. The people of the marshes live in houses raised on stilts in the ancient manner of lake people everywhere. They are fishers and fowlers and hunters and, some say smugglers.

The citadel, the "Phacus," which is close to the city, stands in the marsh itself, projecting like an island, and is built on a huge substructure which is strong enough to carry a wall and prevent any damage from the infiltration from the water of the lagoon. At a distance it appears to be continuous with the city wall, but it is really separated by a channel which flows between the two walls and is connected with the city by a bridge. Thus it cuts off all means of access from an external foe, and if the king shut anyone up there, there could be no possibility of escape except by the bridge, which could be very easily guarded.


This is a district for rustic homes amidst the natural beauty of the marshes.