One of the oldest bridges in the world
Numerous archaeological treasures are hidden in the region defined by Epidaurus, Nafplio, Argos, Tiryns and Mycenae in the Peloponnese. They remain tucked amidst bush-covered expanses, waiting for the curious travellers to discover them next to ancient paths overtaken by nature, almost invisible to the untrained eye.
There, close to Arkadiko and the Kazarma village, one can spot the oldest, still-standing bridge in the world, known as the Arkadiko or Kazarma bridge. It dates to the Mycenean times (around 1300-1200 BC), built as part of an extensive road network that connected the region’s ancient towns mainly for trade and military purposes while also defining a pilgrimage route towards the Sanctuary of Asclepios in Epidaurus.
The bridge is an excellent example of Mycenean masonry. It is constructed using what is known as “Cyclopean stones” (massive rocks, popular in the infrastructure of the Greek Bronze Era), while its arch remains strong despite the lack of any mortar or other connecting material between the boulders. The structure (22 m. long, 5.60 m. wide at the base, and 4 m. high) is wider than a standard footbridge; hence, historians believe it was meant to be used by chariots as well. Although there have been other, more ancient bridges constructed around the world, this is considered today the oldest one still standing, still in use by the local population.
The site is easy to locate as it rises next to the tarmac road that leads to Kazarma village. From there, an aspiring explorer may wish to walk along the ancient Mycenean Path, part of which has been cleared from bushes and fallen trees and has been recently signposted to help the hikers. The route is straightforward and leads to another Mycenean bridge, while at several points, one can still observe the ancient stones defining the boundaries of the road.
Photo credits: © Konstantina Sakellariou
