Corinth, Greece
City:
Corinth
State, Province, Region, or District:
Country:
Greece
Overview
Corinth was significant in the ancient Roman world because of its geography, its wealth, and its regional influence. Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia and was situated on the Isthmus of Corinth, and about 40 miles west of Athens in Greece. It was a large city that controlled two harbors that linked it to Italy on the west and Asia Minor on the east: Cenchreae (Romans 16) on the eastern side of the isthmus, and Lechaeumon on the western side. The city of Corinth is located on the little piece of land that divides the country of Greece.
Before the canal was built, the Corinthians would bring the small ships out of the water and skid them along in grooves on a wheeled platform from one side of the isthmus to the other using slave labor and oxen. This development enabled vessels to go to either gulf without having to sail around the tip of the Peloponnese, a particularly treacherous stretch of water. Construction of a canal began under Roman Emperor Nero in 67 AD but ceased shortly after his death. Construction finally recommenced in 1881 and was completed in 1893.
Corinth had a large population of both Jewish and Gentile residents. The city often found itself caught in the middle between hostile neighbors, Athens to the north and Sparta to the south. Armies crisscrossed its streets as often as merchants, and more than once the city had to arise from ashes and rubble.
Today only Athens attracts more interest in Greece for its historic antiquities than Corinth. It ranks as a must-see location for every traveler to Greece.
Alternate Names
Ancient Corinth is often referred to as Archaia Korinthos. In Latin, it was known as Corinthus. The ancient Greek name was Korinthos, and it was also known as Ephyra in some ancient myths and Homeric texts. The modern town near the ancient site is called Nea Korinthos or New Corinth.
Geography & Location
Corinth is situated on the Isthmus of Corinth about 40 miles west of Athens in Greece.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Biblical Connection
Architecture
The origins of the Corinthian order were connected in antiquity with the Greek city-state of Corinth where, according to the architectural writer Vitruvius, the sculptor Callimachus drew a set of acanthus leaves surrounding a votive basket (Vitr. 4.1. 9–10). While the name Corinthian is derived from the ancient Greek city of Corinth, it was probably invented in Athens. The Corinthian order is the most ornate of the three classical Greek architectural orders, characterized by its elaborate capital design, featuring two rows of acanthus leaves and scrolls. It was the last of the three Greek orders to be developed, following the Doric and Ionic orders. While originating in ancient Greece, the Corinthian order was widely adopted and further developed in Roman architecture.
Biblical & Historical References
Paul first traveled to Corinth on his second missionary journey after spending a brief time preaching in Athens (see Acts 17:16-18:1).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
See the article: Paul's "Abrupt" Departure from Athens.
Site Visit
Perhaps the best place to begin a visit of the city itself is at the interesting museum of Corinth, located at the northwest corner of the archaeological site. The museum consists of long galleries arranged around a central courtyard. The Greek Gallery to the right of the entrance hall contains finds from the Neolithic through Mycenaean periods. Note particularly a case of objects from the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore; a sphinx (6th century B.C.), still showing traces of paint; tall Mycenaean kylites (slender, singlefooted vessels; early 13th century B.C.); an inscribed stone (archaic Corinthian writing) that guarded the Sacred Spring in the agora: “Sanctuary boundary; do not come down. Fine, 8 drachmas”; and a sarcophagus containing the bones of a youth (5th century B.C.).
Places of Interest
NOTE: Ancient Corinth comprises three sites: the Corinth Canal across the isthmus, (This page) the main archaeological site with its museum and Roman forum, and the fortifications and ruins atop the Acrocorinth.