Ancient roads: Massive 12,000-year-old underground tunnels stretch from Scotland to Türkiye

Hidden underground spaces have always intrigued mankind, from the catacombs of Rome to the secret passageways of New York City. However, a recent discovery across the European continent has taken this fascination to a new level. An extensive network of ancient tunnels, built approximately 12,000 years ago, has been discovered stretching for miles beneath the Earth’s surface. These vast, intricate passageways, dubbed “ancient superhighways” by researchers, have sparked a flurry of speculation about their purpose and meaning. What drove our ancestors to create such an elaborate underground network, and what secrets might these tunnels hold?

An ancient, deep, dark cave tunnel with blue neon light illuminating its interior.

1. The discovery: a huge network

The scale of this discovery is nothing short of astonishing. Over a million kilometres of tunnels have been found, connecting regions across Europe, from the Scottish Highlands to the Mediterranean coast. This ancient network rivals some of the most famous underground structures on Earth in terms of complexity and extent. Dr. Heinrich Kusch, a German archaeologist, has extensively documented these findings in his book The Secrets of the Underground Gateway to an Ancient World (German title: Tore zur Unterwelt ). According to Dr. Kusch, the fact that such a vast network has survived for 12,000 years suggests that it must have been a monumental undertaking.

Dark tunnel.

2. Theories about the purpose of tunnels

The purpose of these tunnels has been the subject of much debate among researchers. One theory posits that the tunnels were built to protect humans from predators. In a time when survival was a constant struggle, such underground passageways could have provided shelter from danger. Another theory suggests that these tunnels functioned as ancient highways, allowing people to travel safely beneath the surface, away from the dangers of battles, weather, and other hazards on the surface. This comparison to a prehistoric highway highlights the sophistication of the network. Some even speculate that these tunnels could have served as portals to an underworld, reflecting ancient beliefs and myths about the afterlife.

underground tunnel

3. Construction and characteristics of tunnels

Dr. Kusch’s research has revealed that many of these tunnels are quite narrow, measuring around 70 centimeters wide – just enough for a person to squeeze through. Within this labyrinthine network, however, are larger chambers and niches, some with seating areas and storage rooms. The tunnels do not always connect seamlessly, but together they form a sprawling underground network. The presence of chapels at some tunnel openings suggests that the Christian Church, possibly wary of the pagan connotations of these tunnels, sought to neutralize their perceived influence.

Illustration of the cave

4. Global parallels and historical context

Similar subterranean structures are found on other continents, with legends and myths about underground corridors stretching across the Americas. These stories often speak of ancient catastrophes and hidden shelters. Many traditions tell stories of primitive peoples taking refuge in caves and tunnels to escape catastrophic events. These global parallels add an intriguing dimension to the European discovery, suggesting that the creation of such underground networks could have been a common response to widespread disasters or threats.

The discovery of these ancient superhighways in Europe offers a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of our distant ancestors. While much research remains to be done, these tunnels have the potential to reshape our understanding of early human civilization. They may provide answers to long-standing questions about how ancient people survived and thrived amid great challenges. As exploration continues, who knows what other secrets lie beneath the Earth’s surface waiting to be discovered? This extraordinary find not only expands our knowledge of the past but also invites us to ponder the mysteries still hidden beneath our feet.