Seawalls have a long and extensive history as structures designed for coastal protection.
Early Origins of Seawalls
The use of seawalls for coastal defence spans thousands of years, highlighting their historical importance in protecting communities situated near the coast. While their purpose today is largely associated with combating coastal erosion and flooding, their earliest documented uses point to different primary objectives.
Based on available historical records, the earliest seawalls were built in Byzantium (later called Constantinople, then Istanbul) in around 195 AD. It is important to note that the main reason for the construction of these initial seawalls was not primarily for environmental defense. Instead, these ancient structures were erected largely to protect the city against attacks from intruders rather than from coastal flooding and erosion. This indicates that military strategy and city defense were significant drivers behind the early adoption of seawall technology.
Over centuries, the design, materials, and primary function of seawalls have evolved, adapting to changing needs, understanding of coastal processes, and advancements in engineering. However, the foundational concept of building a protective barrier along the shoreline has its roots in these ancient structures.
