From the north face of the Rock to Europa Point, there has been a co-ordinated defensive wall since long before the British captured Gibraltar in 1704. These defences, some of which date back to the Moorish period, were subsequently improved by Spain (1462-1704), and then by Britain (1704-1940s), came to be known as the Line Wall. All the land to the west of this wall has been reclaimed from the sea (mainly during the last century). However most of this reclaimed area were previously dangerous reefs which actually helped to protect the ancient walls from a direct assault by sea.