Europe’s oldest known road lies on the island of Crete. It is over 3,500 years old and is a remarkable engineering feat. This Minoan road spans roughly 50 kilometers, connecting the ancient city of Knossos with Gortyn and Lebena.

What makes this road so extraordinary is its advanced construction. It features side drains to manage water runoff, which helped preserve the road over millennia. The roadbed is composed of a 20-centimeter-thick pavement of sandstone blocks, tightly fitted and bound with a durable clay-gypsum mortar.

On top of this foundation, a layer of basaltic flagstones was laid to provide a smooth, hard-wearing surface. The inclusion of separate shoulders, which were uncommon for the time, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of road design, ensuring safe and efficient travel.

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