Corinth

Sack of Corinth by Thomas Allom 1870

The City of Corinth - Wordsworth Christopher - 1882

View of the Gulf of Corinth and the modern city of Corinth from the Castle of Acrocorinth

Corinth Isthmus rail road bridge

Corinth Canal by Frank van Mierlo

Corinth was an ancient city-state (polis) on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece, roughly halfway between Athens and Sparta. The modern city of Corinth is located approximately 5 kilometers northeast of the ancient ruins. Since 1896, systematic archaeological investigations of the Corinth Excavations by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens have revealed large parts of the ancient city, and more recently the area of the ancient port of Lechaion.

History

The history of Corinth dates back to the Neolithic period, but it became a major city in ancient Greece during the 8th century BC. According to myth, Corinth was founded by Corinthos, a descendant of the god Helios. However, historical records suggest that the city was a major player in Greek affairs due to its strategic location, which controlled the land route between the Aegean Sea and the Ionian Sea, as well as its proximity to the rich agricultural land of the Peloponnese.

During the 8th and 7th centuries BC, Corinth was a leading naval power, and it established colonies in places such as Corcyra (modern Corfu) and Syracuse in Sicily. This period, known as the Archaic period in Greek history, saw Corinth become one of the wealthiest cities due to its successful engagement in trade and the famed Corinthian pottery which was exported across the Greek world.

In the classical period, Corinth was a member of the Peloponnesian League and played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War against Athens. The city was known for its indulgent lifestyle and the wealth of its citizens. The Isthmian Games, which were second only to the Olympic Games, were hosted in Corinth and attracted visitors from all over Greece.

Following its siding with Sparta in the Peloponnesian War, Corinth's influence began to wane. It was conquered by Philip II of Macedon and later became a battleground during the wars of the Diadochi after Alexander the Great's death. The city was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was later rebuilt by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 44 BC. It quickly regained its wealth under Roman rule, becoming the capital of the province of Achaia and an important center for early Christianity, as evidenced by the two Epistles to the Corinthians in the New Testament.

Archaeology

The archaeological site of ancient Corinth includes the Temple of Apollo, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Peirene, and the Acrocorinth, a fortified citadel on a hill above the city. The site provides valuable insights into the urban planning and daily life of both the Greek and Roman periods.

Modern Corinth

Today, the modern city of Corinth is an important industrial and transportation hub in southern Greece. It is known for its canal, the Corinth Canal, which cuts through the isthmus and connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea, facilitating maritime traffic.

In Culture

Corinth's legacy endures in classical literature and mythology, where it is often depicted as a place of wealth, luxury, and moral decay. Its historical significance, however, lies in its contribution to Greek culture, economy, and politics during the ancient period.

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