Karamagara Bridge

The stone structure spans 17 meters across the Arapgir Çayı river with a singular pointed arch design constructed without mortar between stones.

Built during the 5th or 6th century AD, the bridge connected to an ancient Roman road leading to Melitene until its submersion by Keban Dam in 1975.

The Greek inscription found on the downstream side contained text from Psalm 121, displaying the integration of Christian elements in Roman architecture.

The stones containing Greek inscriptions were relocated to the Elazığ Museum in 1972 before the waters of Keban Dam covered the structure.

The bridge represents the earliest documented use of a pointed arch in bridge construction, marking a departure from traditional Roman semicircular designs.

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 38.92496,38.65849

Latest update: April 4, 2025 09:25