It turns out that tunnels have come a long way since ancient times. It used to be that if you wanted to dig a hole you just got going with your hands or maybe a piece of metal. Imagine trying to build a tunnel before shovels were even invented– what were they thinking?

Advancements in technology led to big awesome vehicles and machines to drill their way through mountains and valleys alike. They may be called tunnel ‘boring’ machines, but they’re anything but.

If you used to excavate subway tunnels in the late 1800s this gallery might be nostalgic for you. Otherwise, just admire how cool these big underground tubes are.