How the Romans Built the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel by Hand!

Mr. Devotor

Step back in time to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD and discover the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel, a breathtaking example of Roman engineering in Turkey. Built at the order of Emperor Vespasian and continued by his son Titus, this massive water diversion tunnel was carved entirely by hand to protect the harbor of Seleucia Pieria, the ancient port of Antioch (modern Antakya).  Located near the Nur Mountains and the village of Çevlik, the tunnel stretches through rock formations as part of a larger water control system, including dams, channels, and tunnels. Construction was finally completed during the reign of Antoninus Pius in the 2nd century AD.  Even after almost 2,000 years, the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel still amazes historians, travelers, and engineers with its scale and durability. In 2014, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list, recognizing its global cultural importance.  Join us as we explore this ancient wonder, uncover its history, and see how the Romans achieved such a feat without modern machinery!  ✨ Don’t forget to like 👍, share 🔗, and subscribe 🔔 for more amazing stories of ancient history and engineering.  🔖 Hashtags  #VespasianusTitusTunnel #AncientRome #RomanEngineering #History #WorldHeritage #UNESCO #TurkeyHistory #RomanEmpire #EngineeringMarvel #AncientWonders

Transcript

00:00The ancient world left us many wonders and one of them is the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel

00:05in Turkey.

00:07This massive water tunnel carved into solid rock shows the incredible skills and determination

00:12of the Roman Empire.

00:15Built nearly 2000 years ago, it still stands today as proof of Roman engineering and human

00:21effort.

00:22The tunnel was built in the first and second centuries AD for the city of Seleucia Peria,

00:28the port of modern Antarkia.

00:30It is found at the base of the Nur Mountains, near the village of Chevalik, about 7 km from

00:36Samandag and 35 km from Antarkia.

00:40The Roman Emperor Vespasian, who ruled from 69 to 79 AD, orders the tunnel construction

00:47to protect the harbour from flood waters flowing down the mountain.

00:51The water was diverted through a series of channels and tunnels to keep the port safe.

00:57What makes it more even impressive is that the tunnel was dug entirely by hand with simple

01:03tools and human labour.

01:05Constructions began under Vespasian, continued under his son Titus and was completed during

01:11the reign of Antonius Pius.

01:14Inscriptions carved into the rock still display their name as a reminder of their role.

01:19The main reason they built the tunnel was not for travel, but to protect the city.

01:24You can see how the construction changed over the century.

01:28The first part is a deep, open-air channel carved directly into the mountain's cliff.

01:33It's like a giant canyon.

01:35The second part is a 1.4 km long tunnel drilled straight through the mountain.

01:41This shows how Roman engineers used two different methods to solve one big problem.

01:47On April 15, 2014, the tunnel was added to the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage

01:53Site, recognizing its cultural and historical importance.

01:57The Vespasian Titus Tunnel is more than just an ancient construction.

02:02It is a symbol of Roman vision, power, and skill.

02:06Standing strong for centuries, it continues to amaze visitors from around the world, reminding

02:12us how determination and teamwork can shape history.

02:16If you like this video, please comment, share, and subscribe.

02:19Thank you very much.

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