an artificial canal in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea

It is 6.4 kilometres (4 miles) in length and only 24.6 metres (80.7 feet) wide at sea level, making it impassable for many modern ships

The Corinth canal concept originated with Periander of Corinth in the 7th century BC. Daunted by its enormity, he chose to implement the Diolkos, a land trackway for transporting ships, instead

Construction of a canal finally began under Roman Emperor Nero in 67 AD

Read more here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth_Canal

  • NIB@lemmy.world
    3·
    6 months ago

    Construction finally recommenced in 1881 but was hampered by geological and financial problems that bankrupted the original builders. It was completed in 1893, but, due to the canal’s narrowness, navigational problems, and periodic closures to repair landslides from its steep walls, it failed to attract the level of traffic expected by its operators.

    So it only became a thing somewhat recently.

    It connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian sea and it bypasses the Peloponnese peninsula, which is a relatively significant landmass. I guess the cost and the time/fuel savings might not be significant enough to modernize it. I wouldnt be surprised if they make it wider in the future.