Maze

A maze is a complex network of pathways or passages, typically designed as a puzzle with a single correct route from entrance to exit. Mazes have been constructed throughout history for various purposes including entertainment, religious rituals, and architectural design.

The concept of mazes dates back to ancient civilizations. The most famous early maze is the legendary labyrinth of Crete from Greek mythology, said to house the Minotaur. Archaeological evidence shows that maze-like structures existed in ancient Egypt, Rome, and other cultures. During the medieval period, mazes became popular in European cathedral architecture, often laid into church floors as symbolic representations of life's journey.

Modern mazes are primarily recreational, found in gardens, parks, and amusement centers. Hedge mazes, constructed from tall plants or shrubs, became particularly popular in 16th and 17th century Europe. Famous examples include the Hampton Court Palace maze in England. Corn mazes, carved into cornfields, represent a contemporary adaptation of this ancient concept.

Maze design follows specific principles to ensure solvability while maintaining challenge. Most mazes incorporate dead ends, loops, and false paths to confuse navigators. Common solving strategies include the wall-following method, where one keeps a hand on the same wall throughout the journey, and more complex algorithms used in computer science for pathfinding.

Beyond physical structures, mazes appear in various media including video games, puzzles, and literature. They serve as metaphors for confusion, complexity, and the search for solutions. In psychology, mazes are used to study problem-solving abilities and spatial reasoning in both humans and animals.

Today, mazes continue to be popular attractions at festivals, theme parks, and botanical gardens worldwide, maintaining their ancient appeal as both entertainment and mental challenges.