(anc. geogr.) the citadel, and one of the divisions, of Athens; called Peli, because constituting the first and original city; and the Upper Polis, to distinguish it from the Lower, which was afterwards built round it in a large open plain, the Acropolis standing on a rock or eminence in the heart of this plain; and hence its name: (Pausanias). To the north it had a wall, built by the Pelasgi, and therefore called Pelasgic; and to the south a wall, by Cymon the son of Miltiades, out of the Persian spoils, many ages after the building of the north wall, (Plutarch). It had nine gates, and was therefore called Enneapylon; yet but one principal gate or entrance, the ascent to which was by a flight of steps of white marble, built by Pericles with great magnificence, (Plutarch).