The Tunnel of Eupalinos

What is The Tunnel of Eupalinos?

The Tunnel of Eupalinos, also known as the Eupalinian Aqueduct, is located on the Greek island of Samos. It was constructed in the 6th century BCE during the reign of Polycrates, making it around 2,600 years old. It is considered a remarkable feat of ancient engineering, as it was built to supply water from a spring to the city of Samos, which was located on the other side of a mountain.

How was The Tunnel of Eupalinos built?

The tunnel was engineered by Eupalinos of Megara, an ancient Greek engineer and architect. He was commissioned by the Tyrant of Samos, Polycrates, to build the tunnel as part of an aqueduct system to bring fresh water to the ancient city of Pythagoreion.

The tunnel is approximately one kilometer long and was dug from both sides at the same time, using a complex system of geometry to ensure that the two teams met in the middle. The tunnel is said to have been built using primitive tools such as chisels and hammers, yet the precision of the engineering is still impressive today. The tunnel remained in use for over a thousand years, serving as a vital water supply for the city of Samos and its inhabitants.

Visiting The Tunnel of Eupalinos

As visitors descend into the Tunnel of Eupalinos, they are transported back to ancient Greece. The tunnel is dimly lit, and the sound of water echoes through the passageway. The precision engineering of the tunnel is evident in the perfectly symmetrical arches that support the roof. Visitors can see the small niches where workers would have placed their lamps, illuminating the tunnel during its construction. The air is cool and damp, a reminder of the effort it took to carve out this nearly mile-long tunnel over 2,000 years ago. Overall, a visit to the Tunnel of Eupalinos is a humbling experience that showcases the ingenuity and determination of ancient engineers.