Ep 20. The Miraculous Canals of Venice

Venice is famous for its canals and waterways that make it one of the most unique cities in the world. But how did the ancient Venetians manage to create this network of canals with such precision and ingenuity? The episode "The Miraculous Canals of Venice" from season 3 of Ancient Mysteries explores the engineering behind the canals of Venice and uncovers the secrets that have allowed them to remain intact for centuries.

The episode begins with the history of Venice, tracing its origins back to the 5th century AD when people fled the invasion of the Huns and settled in the marshy lagoon on the Adriatic Sea. Initially, the area was considered uninhabitable due to its swampy conditions, but the resourceful Venetians figured out how to drain the lagoon and create a stable foundation for their city.

The canals are the most unique aspect of the city, and the episode delves into how the Venetians created them. The documentary explores how the Venetians dredged the soft sediment from the lagoon floor and piled it onto wooden stakes, which formed the foundation for the city. They used boats instead of horses to transport the materials and built the canals by hand using simple tools like shovels and hammers.

The canals also served as a key transport route for goods and materials, and the episode explores how the Venetians used the canals for economic gain. They created a system of small waterways branching out from the main canals, which helped distribute goods throughout the city. The goods were transported using flat-bottomed boats called gondolas, which became synonymous with Venice. Additionally, the canals were used to transport heavy goods like marble and building materials for the city's palaces and churches.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the exploration of the Venetian's advanced hydraulic system. Venice is a city built on water, but it has managed to maintain its dryness despite frequent floods. The city's hydraulic system is a marvel of engineering, and the episode explores how the Venetians created a network of sluices and gates that controlled the flow of water in and out of the city.

The episode also uncovers some of the mysteries behind the canals, including the reasons behind their unique shape. The canals are narrow and shallow compared to other waterways, and the episode explores how this was done intentionally. The narrowness of the canals allowed for better control of the water flow and prevented waves from causing damage to the buildings and structures along the banks.

Overall, "The Miraculous Canals of Venice" is a fascinating exploration of one of the world's most unique cities. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the history of Venice and uncovers the secrets behind its famous canals. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in architecture, engineering, or the history of one of the world's most fascinating cities.