Marathon Dam, Gravity dam in Marathon, Greece.
The Marathon Dam is a concrete gravity structure clad in white Pentelic marble that spans 285 meters and rises 54 meters above the riverbed. The barrier creates a reservoir that supplies water to the nearby city through an operational distribution network.
Construction started in 1926 to meet water demands after refugee populations arrived in the region following a regional conflict. The project represented a major effort to ensure adequate supply for the expanding population.
A temple replica at the base honors classical design, showing how modern infrastructure can respect ancient forms through architecture. This connection allows visitors to see how contemporary engineering acknowledges the region's classical past.
The structure is accessible to visitors who want to enjoy views across the water and surrounding hills. Morning or late afternoon visits offer better lighting and more comfortable temperatures for walking around the site.
The structure became the first documented example of earthquakes triggered by reservoir filling, with noticeable tremors recorded during the 1930s. These observations helped scientists understand the connection between water pressure and ground movement.
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