The oldest road in Europe, located on the island of Crete, is an incredible feat of engineering, dating back more than 3,500 years. This is the Minoan Road, about 50 km long, connecting the ancient city of Knossos with Gortyn and Lebena. What makes this road unique is its advanced structure and deep understanding of construction techniques at that time.

One of the notable features is the system of drainage ditches on both sides, which helps regulate rainwater, prevent damage and preserve the road over the millennia. The roadbed is built of sandstone blocks about 20 cm thick, тιԍнтly bonded with a special mortar mixture of clay and gypsum, giving the road high durability and resistance over time.

On top of this layer, the Minoans laid a flat layer of basalt to create a smooth and durable surface, suitable for movement. What is even more interesting is that the road had separate shoulder lines, a rare design for the time, which shows a deep understanding of transport infrastructure design. Thanks to this, the road was not only durable but also safe and efficient for the Minoan people to travel.

The Minoan Road is a clear testament to the great development of construction techniques of the ancient civilization, and to this day remains a living part of the history of Crete. It shows us that, even in ancient times, the Minoans had intelligent and efficient solutions for building structures that would stand the test of time.