In ancient Greece, the tyrant Polycrates constructed a remarkable underground tunnel on the island of Samos to solve the city's water shortage. This tunnel stretches over 1,000 meters and runs almost parallel to the ground, only being rediscovered in the late 19th century. Polycrates ordered the engineer Eupalinus to excavate from both sides of the mountain simultaneously, ultimately achieving a successful junction within the mountain. The tunnel is 2 meters wide and 2 meters high; despite some deviations during the excavation process, its overall design is ingenious, showcasing the wisdom of the ancient Greeks.
The construction of the tunnel was not only an engineering marvel but also became a crucial part of Samos's defense. When the Athenian army besieged the island, this tunnel effectively ensured the city's water supply, but it also had the potential to serve as a passage for enemy attacks. Polycrates and his successors managed to keep this secret until the Athenians failed in their siege. Today, the tunnel remains open for visitors, standing as a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Greece.
