Nestled in the rolling hills of Argolis in Greece lies a remarkable relic of the ancient world: the Kazarma Bridge. Built more than 3,300 years ago, this Mycenaean marvel remains not just intact—but still in use.
A Hidden Masterpiece of the Mycenaean World
Tucked away in the undulating landscape of the Peloponnese, near the village of Arkadiko, the Kazarma Bridge—also known as the Arkadiko Bridge—is a subtle yet awe-inspiring testament to ancient engineering. Believed to be the oldest bridge in the world still in operation, it dates back to around 1300 BCE, during the Mycenaean era. This Bronze Age relic transports us to a time when the Achaeans, ancestors of the Greeks, were building mighty citadels and carving out trade routes across the Mediterranean.
Far from being a forgotten ruin, the Kazarma Bridge stands as enduring proof of the ingenuity and foresight of a long-lost civilization.
A Mycenaean Bridge Still in Use
Today, the Kazarma Bridge is one of the few surviving ancient structures that remains in practical use. Its architecture perfectly showcases the advanced construction techniques of the Mycenaeans. Built using Cyclopean masonry—a style named after the mythical Cyclopes, whom the Achaeans believed were master builders—it consists of enormous, unworked limestone boulders stacked with such precision that no mortar was needed. This seemingly simple yet incredibly effective technique has allowed the bridge to endure for millennia.
The bridge measures 22 meters in length, 5.6 meters in width, and 4 meters in height. Its pointed arch, just over one meter wide, was designed to allow rainwater and small streams to pass beneath. The road surface, about 2.5 meters wide, was broad enough for the passage of Mycenaean war chariots—the primary mode of transport for aristocrats of the time.
One Bridge Among Many
The Kazarma Bridge is not an isolated feat. It forms part of a well-planned network of Mycenaean roads in the Peloponnese. Archaeologists have identified at least four other similar bridges in the Arkadiko area.
Among them is the Petrogephyro Bridge, which is still used today by pedestrians and livestock. It features a slightly higher arch than Kazarma’s. Another bridge near the village of Lykotroupi stands out for its stone curbs—crafted to guide chariot wheels and prevent accidents, showing an impressive understanding of safety in transport design.
These architectural achievements highlight the precision and skill of Mycenaean builders. Long before the invention of concrete or modern engineering, the Mycenaeans had already mastered the fundamentals of durable infrastructure. Their network of bridges supported military movements, enabled trade, and connected distant city-states—forming the backbone of a sophisticated and far-reaching civilization.
