Since ancient times, bridges have symbolized human ingenuity and connectivity – literally and figuratively. Bridges unite towns, cities, and countries and cross over natural barriers. In doing so, bridges help connect different cultures and eras.
More than being silent witnesses to history, these ancient bridges are living testaments to our shared heritage. These architectural and engineering marvels withstood the ravages of time to tell us fascinating stories of the past.
Arkadiko Bridge
The Arkadiko Bridge in Greece is thought to be the world’s oldest bridge in use. Built between 1300 and 1190 BCE, it’s a Mycenaean-era stone corbel arch bridge in the Peloponnese area. It was part of the military road system linking Epidauros to Tiryns.
The bridge’s age and good condition make it a remarkable example of ancient Greek engineering using limestone blocks without mortar. Three other bridges near Arkadiko are about the same age and feature a similar design.
Tarr Steps
The Tarr Steps, a clapper bridge in Somerset, England, may date back to 1000 BCE. It crosses the River Barle in Exmoor National Park. The exact age of this ancient bridge is unknown, adding to its mystery. Local legend even claims the Devil built it.
Tarr Steps is a classic clapper bridge built using large, flat stone slabs. While its exact date of construction is still subject to debate, the Tarr Steps is undoubtedly among the oldest bridges in Britain.
Bridge Over River Meles
The Bridge Over River Meles, also known as the Caravan Bridge, is in Izmir, Turkey. Many believe the date of this stone bridge’s construction to be around 850 B.C. It spans the River Meles near Smyrna – the present-day Izmir – and is historically associated with the legendary Greek poet Homer.
Although other ancient bridges may be older than the one over River Meles, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the oldest bridge still in use.
Pons Fabricius
Rome’s Pons Fabricius, built in 62 BCE, is the oldest Roman bridge in its original state. It spans half of the Tiber River and is 62 meters long. Named after Lucius Fabricius, the road curator at the time, the stone arch bridge replaced a wooden bridge that had burned down.
The Pons Fabricius survived for over 2,000 years and has remained intact, a testament to Roman engineering. It has been in constant use since its construction.
Alcántara Bridge
The Alcántara Bridge is a Roman stone arch bridge in western Spain, built from 104 to 106 CE. Emperor Trajan ordered its construction over the Tagus River. The bridge’s name originated from the Arabic word “al-Qantarah,” simply meaning “the arch.”
The bridge has suffered more damage from wars rather than the natural elements over the years. Despite needing several repairs, the Alcántara bridge remains in use today. Its main pillars were fully restored in 1969.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
Another ancient stone arch bridge is Rome’s famous Ponte Sant’Angelo, built in 134 CE. Emperor Hadrian ordered its construction to link the city center to his new tomb, now the Castel Sant’Angelo. The bridge’s original name was Pons Aelius.
The bridge underwent several design changes, but its most significant transformation occurred in the Baroque era (17th to 18th century). The ten angel statues, designed by sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini, were added to the bridge during that period. The angels add a spiritual, symbolic, and romantic element and feel to the bridge. Today, the Ponte Sant’Angelo is a pedestrian bridge offering scenic views of the Tiber River.
Cendere Bridge
The Cendere Bridge is another Roman stone arch bridge dating to around 200 CE. It’s near the ancient city of Arsameia in Turkey. It is also known as the Severan Bridge, Chabinas Bridge, or Septimius Severus Bridge.
The Roman army’s Legio XVI Gallica built it to start a war with Parthia. Four columns were added to honor Emperor Septimius Severus and his family. The bridge is located within one of Turkey’s most important national parks, which is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Band-e Kaisar
The Band-e Kaisar, or Bridge of Valerian, was built between 260-270 CE in what is now Shushtar, Iran. It was built during the reign of the Sassanian emperor Shapur I. This Roman stone arch bridge was also a dam, which is unique in the area.
Persian history claims the bridge was named after the captured Roman Emperor Valerian. The dam bridge was used until the late 19th century. It no longer serves as a functioning bridge due to structural deterioration. Many of the bridge’s sections have collapsed, leaving its parts in ruins.
Although it no longer serves a practical purpose, the Band-e Kaisar remains a significant historical and archaeological site. It is now part of a more expansive UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bridge near Limyra
A unique stone bridge stands near the ancient city of Limyra. Many consider it one of the world’s oldest segmented arch bridges, dating to around the 3rd century CE. The bridge’s flat profile was unusual for Roman engineering of the time.
Little research has been done on this Roman structure, making its exact age uncertain. It was presumably built around 330 C.E. There is no information about the bridge from ancient sources, either.
Karamagara Bridge
The Karamagara Bridge was built in the 5th or 6th century C.E. during the Byzantine or late Roman Empire. This Roman arch bridge was a notable structure in Cappadocia, Turkey. It featured a single pointed arch, possibly the earliest known example of this design. What’s impressive about this bridge is that its pointed arch rib was built without mortar between the voussoirs (the wedge-shaped or tapered stones or bricks used in constructing an arch or vault).
The bridge was part of a Roman road leading to Melitene in Turkey’s Eastern Anatolia region. Sadly, the bridge is now submerged due to the Keban Dam’s construction in 1975. However, its architectural legacy remains significant in bridge design’s history.
Parting words
Bridge design has changed significantly since ancient times. However, the basic idea of creating a safe way to cross over bodies of water is still the same. Modern bridge builders still learn from these old examples.
The fact that most bridges on this list are still in use is impressive. It shows how well they were designed and built and how important they have been in their communities.