Final answer:
Ancient cities, like Constantinople, were protected by massive defensive walls, some being six meters thick, and symbolic guardian figures like the lamassu. The height of walls in various historical sites could reach thirty feet, creating an imposing and strategic defense system to deter enemies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the various depictions and accounts, historical protection of settlements frequently included the construction of massive walls to defend against enemy forces. For instance, the Walls of Constantinople had multi-layered defenses, including an inner wall that was up to six meters thick, an outer wall, an additional wall, and a moat for formidable protection. In the context of the Great Enclosure mentioned, the height of the walls would have been considerable, some structures even reaching thirty feet in height, creating a defensive and imposing perimeter. Moreover, guardian figures such as the lamassu, which were winged bulls with the heads of men, stood at city gates symbolizing power and offering a form of psychological protection. When considering the depiction from Nimrud, soldiers used a large screen to guard archers, indicating a strategic form of battlefield protection. In summary, both physical structures and symbolic representations served to protect ancient cities and their inhabitants.