The Corinth Canal

About

The Corinth Canal is without a doubt an engineering marvel. Completed at the end of 19th century, the idea to connect the two gulfs was first proposed back in the 7th century BC. But the staggering amount of manpower and money needed to make the plans a reality were simply unavailable back then. After several attempts, Greek philosopher Apollonius of Tyana predicted anyone who tries to complete the project would be met with illness. Julius Caesar and emperor Caligula both planned to build the canal, and both were assassinated shortly after. The infamous emperor Nero was the first one to actually start the project but died during the first moments of construction. Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1830 revived the idea, and despite many financial difficulties, the Corinth Canal was finally finished in 1893. Today, the it spans 4 miles, but its curse continues - narrow and plagued by landslides, modern commercial ships avoid it.