Some of the earliest known bridges in the world are believed to be four Mycenaean corbel arch structures located near the Greek villages of Mycenae and Arkadiko. Remarkably, at least two of these ancient constructions have remained in functional use for over 3,000 years, a testament to the engineering prowess of the Mycenaean civilization.

All four bridges share a similar architectural design and were built during the Bronze Age in the same region of southern Greece. They formed part of a vital road network that connected major Mycenaean centers, including Mycenae, Tiryns, Tolo, and Epidaurus. These are among the earliest arch bridges still in use today, constructed between 1300 and 1190 BCE. For a long time, they were considered the oldest surviving bridges in the world until the recent discovery of the Bridge of Girsu in Iraq, which dates back approximately 4,000 years and crosses an ancient stream.

These Mycenaean bridges were not standalone structures but part of a larger military and transportation infrastructure. Built with large, uneven limestone slabs, they were designed not just for durability but also for specific functional use. The Arkadiko Bridge and the nearby Petrogephyri Bridge are still in service today, primarily used by local farmers and agricultural traffic, further highlighting their lasting strength and practical value.

The Arkadiko Bridge, like others of its kind, was built using Cyclopean masonry — a technique that involves fitting massive limestone boulders together without the use of mortar. Smaller stones and tile pieces were used to fill in gaps, resulting in a structure of incredible stability. The bridge measures 18 feet wide, 72 feet long, and 13 feet high. Despite its age, it remains safe for pedestrian traffic, and local residents occasionally use it to this day.

Interestingly, the bridge was not originally intended for foot traffic. Archaeological evidence suggests it was specifically designed for chariot use, a feature confirmed by the presence of stone curbs meant to guide the wheels of horse-drawn vehicles. Its width and gentle incline were ideal for chariots — and it is said that it could even support a modern-day chariot.

Approximately one kilometer west of the Arkadiko Bridge is the Petrogephyri Bridge, another ancient structure still in operation. It crosses the same stream and shares a similar construction and age. Though comparable in style and materials, the Petrogephyri Bridge features a wider span and a slightly taller arch vault, suggesting subtle variations in design to suit its specific location or traffic demands.

In the nearby area of Lykotroupi, located in northern Argolis, archaeologists have identified a fifth well-preserved Mycenaean bridge along another ancient Mycenaean road. This bridge closely resembles the Arkadiko Bridge in both style and size, with a base width of 5.20 meters (17.1 feet), a top width of 2.40 meters (7 ft 10 inches), and a corbelled arch span just over one meter wide. Like the others, this bridge also features stone curbs, further confirming its purpose for guiding chariot traffic across the rugged landscape.

The Petrogephyri Bridge, part of the same ancient highway running from Tiryns to Epidaurus in the region of Argolis, Peloponnese, represents yet another remarkable example of Bronze Age civil engineering. Built during the Late Helladic period (ca. 1300–1190 BCE), this network of roads and bridges showcases the advanced infrastructure of the Mycenaean civilization — an achievement of architecture and design that continues to impress historians, engineers, and visitors alike.