Large walling projects are among the most visible features in the archaeological record. However, enclosure walls remain relatively under-theorized relative to other monumental buildings. In an attempt to move beyond simple explanations that analyse walls solely as defensive features or symbols, I link monumental walls to notions of sovereign power and action-oriented theories of value(s). Using examples from Pharaonic Egypt, I argue that monumental enclosure walls were attempts to define and realize particular social totalities, whether these were a temple complex, a royal tomb or an urban centre. If all efforts at border-making are also an exercise in power, walls have the potential to illuminate some of the goals and values of those ordering their construction. By analysing changes and continuities related to which structures required the protection of a monumental enclosure wall over time, it is possible to shed light on the fluid priorities of the most important political actors in Pharaonic society. Yet the very presence of a wall implies potential dissent and alternative practices—otherwise a wall's construction would not have been necessary.

大型城墙工程是考古记录中最明显的特征之一。然而，相对于其他纪念性建筑，围墙的理论化仍然相对不足。为了超越仅将墙分析为防御特征或象征的简单解释，我将纪念墙与主权权力概念和以行动为导向的价值理论联系起来。使用法老埃及的例子，我认为巨大的围墙是试图定义和实现特定的社会整体，无论它们是寺庙建筑群、皇家陵墓还是城市中心。如果所有边界制定的努力也是一种权力的行使，那么隔离墙就有可能阐明那些下令修建隔离墙的人的一些目标和价值观。通过分析随着时间的推移哪些结构需要纪念性围墙的保护相关的变化和连续性，可以揭示法老社会中最重要的政治参与者的流动优先事项。然而，隔离墙的存在本身就意味着潜在的异议和替代做法——否则就没有必要建造隔离墙了。