The river Eridanos of Ancient Athens

In prehistoric times River Eridanos often floods as it receives large quantities of water from the surrounding hills (Areopagus, Acropolis and Pnyx) in torrential downpours.

The river is set underground with the creation of two special canals and is connected to the Great Drain receiving waste water from it.

With the construction of the Themistoklean city wall, the riverbed of Eridanos is stabilised through a constructed channel built with stone and masonry.

The Eridanos riverbed is aligned again.

The Eridanos riverbed is aligned again.

Athens is conquered by the Roman General Sulla. Massive destruction of buildings and fortifications take place, including the complete collapse of the Eridanos river banks. Thus the banks have to be built once more, since the walls had completely collapsed and the river was again flowing free in its old bed.

Eridanos River is already flowing almost entirely underground and has completely turned into a drain channel for waste waters. It is covered with roman vaulted chambers.