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This Persian marvel was lost for millennia
Only one ancient account mentions the existence of Xerxes Canal, long thought to be a tall tale. But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real.
Land and sea
This view from Mount Athos overlooks the site of what was once the Xerxes Canal. It was constructed across the narrowest part of the Mount Athos Peninsula, connected to the mainland some 28 miles north.
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