Golik Bridge | Bridge of Empires: Explore Albania’s Ancient Roman & Ottoman History | Via Egnatia

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I’m Craig Zievis, an American filmmaker who traded the US for the stunning shores of Lake Ohrid, Albania. Join me as we venture beyond the azure waters of Europe's oldest lake to discover a hidden masterpiece of ancient engineering: the Golik Bridge.

Deep in the Mokra region, tucked away from the modern world, lies a silent witness to millennia of trade, conquest, and travel. Part of a strategic spur of the famous Via Egnatia—the Roman road that linked Rome to Constantinople—the Golik Bridge (Ura e Golikut) is a masterclass in survival.

In this video, we explore why this "triple-arch" stone bridge is more than just an Ottoman relic. We’ll look at the architectural evidence suggesting it sits directly on 2nd Century BC Roman foundations, and how it served as a vital artery for the Silk Road, carrying salt, silk, and spices across the Balkans.

What You’ll Discover:

The Via Egnatia Branch: How this road connected the Adriatic to the heart of Macedonia.

Lin Village: A look at Europe’s oldest known lakeside settlement (8,500+ years old!).

Engineering Secrets: Why the Ottoman architects of the 17th century used a "discharge window" to prevent flood destruction.

Moving to Albania: Why I chose Pogradec as my home.

Why I Moved to Pogradec, Albania 1:15 - Lake Ohrid: Europe’s Oldest Lake 2:30 - Lin: Europe's Oldest Settlement (6000 BC) 3:45 - The "Jerusalem of the Balkans": Ohrid & Lychnidos 5:10 - Hiking the Via Egnatia Spur 6:20 - The Engineering of Golik Bridge 8:00 - Roman Foundations vs. Ottoman Masonry 9:30 - Life on the Silk Road: Soldiers & Caravans 11:00 - Final Thoughts on Living in Albania

About Craig Zievis: I am an American filmmaker and expat living in Pogradec, Albania. My goal is to document the incredible layers of history—from Illyrian castles to Byzantine churches—that define my new home. If you are interested in ancient history, the Roman Empire, or what it’s actually like to live in the Balkans, consider subscribing!

Exploring the Illyrian Castle of Pogradec:

   • Pogradec Castle: The forgotten Illirian, M...  

📺 The Royal Tombs of Selca e Poshtme: [Coming Soon]

[Keywords & Tags] #Albania #ViaEgnatia #AncientHistory #MovingToAlbania #Pogradec #LakeOhrid #RomanEmpire #OttomanEmpire #ExpatsInAlbania #ToldInStone #AncientSites #GolikBridge #Archaeology #BalkanHistory #LivingAbroad