Siege of Athens and Piraeus (87–86 BC) cities that returned to Roman dominance as their tyrant Aristion, imposed by Mithridates VI was not disposed to capitulate to the invaders. Sulla marched towards Athens and upon his arrival he encountered his first problem. The main outer wall that had surrounded the city, connecting the main city with its port at Piraeus was in ruins. As such, Sulla was forced to raise two separate sieges, throwing up siege works surrounding both Athens and Piraeus. A force commanded by Archelaus defended Piraeus whilst another commanded by Aristion took up the main defense of Athens. The sea defense was considerably easier
Piraeus plan was also drawn up and approved by King Otto, but not completely fulfilled, as it was revolutionary for its time. The municipality was established in 1835, reviving the ancient name 'Piraeus'. Following petitions from the new and emerging prosperous bourgeoisie, municipal elections were held to elect a mayor for the city, Kyriakos Serfiotis of Hydra. Piraeus had around 300 inhabitants at this time. Piraeus, from a deserted small town, quickly became the leading port and the second largest city in Greece, with its prime geographical location and closeness to the Greek capital helping it continually to grow, attracting people