Part 5/10:
Constructed in the 6th century BC on the Greek island of Samos, the Eupalinos Tunnel served a critical function: securing a reliable water supply while protecting against potential invasions. The tunnel, commissioned by the tyrant Polycrates, was revolutionary for its time, as engineers dug from both ends of the mountain to meet in the middle with remarkable accuracy.
The tunnel’s design included a sophisticated channel crafted to enable the steady flow of water over its 1,036-meter length. This method of dual entry excavation would later influence modern tunneling techniques, showcasing the advanced understanding of geometry and engineering possessed by its builders.