Ancient Roman Bridge Discovered During Railway Works in Greece

A Roman-era bridge was discovered during the ongoing suburban railway construction works in the ancient city of Elefsina, Greece.

Elefsina (also known as Eleusis) is an ancient city located in the Attica region of Greece, 18 kilometers away from Athens. Situated on the coast of the Aegean Sea, Elefsina is particularly famous for the Eleusinian Mysteries, which are mysterious rituals.

The discovery of the ancient bridge was made by archaeologist Katerina Daskalopoulou and her team. It was found just one meter below the surface, near the center of the modern city.

The excavation team has begun work to determine when the Ancient Roman Bridge was built and how it has remained almost intact for over two thousand years.

The Eleusinian Mysteries are one of the most important mysterious cults of the ancient Greek world. Based on the mythology of Demeter and Persephone, these mysteries deal with universal themes such as fertility, death, and rebirth. Participants in the mysteries sought enlightenment and knowledge beyond the mortal world through special rituals and ceremonies.

Two significant architectural structures stand out in the ancient city. One is the Temple of Demeter, considered the center of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The other is the Telesterion, an open-air temple known as the site where the Mysteries took place.

The ancient city of Elefsina was selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2021.

Cover Image: Ancient Greek Civilization