Aesepus Bridge, Roman bridge near Gönen, Turkey
Aesepus Bridge is a Roman stone structure that crossed the Gönen River with multiple arched supports built from granite blocks and mortar-bound rubble. The engineering shows how Romans layered materials to create durable crossing points over water.
The bridge was built in the early 4th century when Romans were expanding their infrastructure in this region. Centuries later, Byzantine rulers restored it in the 6th century to keep it functioning.
The name comes from ancient Greek, reflecting how Romans and Greeks coexisted in this region. Visitors can still see today how this crossing shaped local trade and movement across the river.
Visitors can reach the remaining piers and partial eastern ramp from the town of Gönen with a walk to the riverbank. The site is best viewed from the water level where you can see the arches and underwater sections clearly.
The structure incorporates hidden hollow chambers designed to distribute weight and manage water flow beneath the arches. This sophisticated approach was shared with another Roman bridge nearby, suggesting a common design principle of the era.
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