The Suez Canal is the structure built to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. Completed in 1869, the canal was a monumental engineering feat and significantly reduced the travel distance for ships between Europe and Asia by providing a direct route. This artificial waterway eliminated the need for the lengthy and treacherous trip around Africa, facilitating international trade and commerce. The Suez Canal has since been a vital geopolitical and economic asset, influencing global shipping routes, trade dynamics, and international relations in the region.