History and infrastructure

Corinth, with its "flag that ruled the sea" (Murray 6) was a prime location on an isthmus (or cape) between two seas, and as such became a very important commercial hub in ancient Greece (Murray 219). Originally called Ephyre (Hamilton 134), Corinth controlled other cities and lands in the area, including the harbor towns Lechnion and Kenchreai (Princeton).

Outer fortifications (walls) were erected over several centuries, eventually encompassing an area roughly 2 ½ times as large as the area held by Classical Athens (Princeton). Indeed, Corinth and Athens carried on something of a rivalry in classical times, perhaps somewhat similar in nature to the current and ongoing (friendly?) competition between Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Inside the city walls, in addition to the expected public structures and private homes, were also cemeteries, grazing lands and farmland (Princeton).

There were many public roads built to accommodate the brisk trade traffic. One particularly ingenious road was built across the narrowest part of the Isthmus, paved with stones, and used to transport ships overland (Princeton). Jason and his Argonauts would likely have appreciated such a road, considering their twelve-day ordeal carrying the Argo to sea!

Possibly the most famous of Corinth's sophisticated infrastructure was its water supply. Incorporating many features such as cisterns and manholes, the water delivery system for both citizens' personal use and irrigation was well-planned and carefully maintained (Murray 219). The Acrocorinth (a natural spring) and its famous fountain of Peirene were key components of this water supply (Murray 220), as were the Baths of Aphrodite (Princeton).

Most structures, both public and private, were made of native limestone. Limestone, the most readily available structural material, was not well suited to preserving written records; marble was also in short supply, as there were no marble quarries in the immediate area. Therefore, it is likely that written records were preserved on parchment or papyrus. No stone tablets have been thus far discovered during the extensive and continuing excavations (Princeton).

The citizens of Corinth also conducted sophisticated forms of commerce and enjoyed regular religious festivals. Archaeological discoveries have included many shops consisting of two rooms each, which were possibly used for serving food and drink and perhaps for other types of vending. Also found were several facilities believed to be used for cleaning and dyeing various materials, with vats and concrete drying floors (Princeton). Every third year the city paid homage to its principal god, Poseidon (Murray 219), by holding the Isthmian Games, one of the four national Greek festivals conducted periodically in various parts of Greece in honor of various deities. The Games usually consisted of athletic competitions and frequently included poetry readings, musical and dramatic performances and contests. The prize offered for winners at the Isthmian Games was a wreath of pine (Murray 15-16).

The city was invaded and sacked in 146 B.C. by a Roman army led by consul L. Mummies. Most of the citizens were either killed or enslaved, and the majority of the buildings were destroyed (Princeton).

Gods and Heroes

Many mythical humans were either born, lived in, or at least passed through Corinth long enough to do something important. Perseus' grandfather Acrisios and his twin brother Proetos were heirs to the thrones of Argos, Corinth and Larisa. Their hatred of one another from birth is well documented in myth, and they eventually warred over the lands of their birthright (Murray 213). The river god Asopos is credited in myth with creating the natural spring Acrocorinth located on the citadel, as a bargain for information as to his daughter Aegina's whereabouts (Sisyphos told him of having witnessed Zeus carrying the girl off). Sisyphos was later punished by Zeus after death for his tattling, by having to roll a boulder up a steep hill for eternity (Murray 219-220). Oedipus was purportedly raised in Corinth by the otherwise childless king Polybos and his wife (Murray 230). The winged horse Pegasus, after his release from Medusa's severed neck, is said to have flown straight to the fountain of Peirene without stopping anywhere else on the way (Murray 221). He is also said to have returned each night to a comfortable stable in Corinth (Hamilton 17). Bellerophon, son of Glaukos and grandson of Sisyphos, reportedly tamed and bridled Pegasus as he drank from the fountain of Peirene (Murray 221; Hamilton 135).

Jason and Medea settled in Corinth after arranging Pelios' death. It was there that Jason betrayed Medea by becoming engaged to King Creon's daughter (Hamilton 127-128, Harris 793). Medea's father Aeetes is rumored to have been the rightful heir to the Corinthian throne, through his father Helios, the sun god who had been given reign over the heights above Corinth (the Acrocorinthus). But Aeetes deserted Corinth and eventually settled in Colchis, where he became king (Parada). Tracing this rumor to its conclusion, an alternate story of Medea and Jason is that they returned to Corinth after Medea was summoned by the Corinthian subjects upon the death of their king, Corinthus (he died childless). This version of their story says that Medea and Jason came to Corinth and ruled there, and that the rift between them was due to Medea's attempt to immortalize their children in the Temple of Hera (Parada; Harris and Platzner 795).

Temples and worship

Corinth was a center of worship for a number of classical Greek gods and goddesses. Its citizens built elaborate temples in the city, many of them located on "Temple Hill" a very famous site (Princeton). Several of the temples and sanctuaries have been discovered during the extensive archaeological excavations in the area. Among them are temples built for the worship of Hera (Murray 49), Artemis (Murray 112), Apollo (including at least one Doric temple (Princeton; Hellenic), Athena, Zeus, Demeter and Persephone, and several Doric temples (Princeton). In the sanctuary of Aphrodite located on the Acropolis, the stone likeness of the goddess is armed (Murray 84, 87).

Preservation

The site of the ancient city of Corinth has long been of interest to archaeologists and historians, and continues to receive much attention. It is likely that as excavation and study continue in the area, more evidence of the ancient Greeks' belief in their gods and heroes will surface.

Hamilton, Edith. Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. New York: Penguin, 1940.

Harris, Stephen L. and Gloria Platzner. Classical Mythology: Images & Insights. 3rd ed. Mountain View: Mayfield, 2001.

Hellenic Ministry of Culture. 2001. March 15, 2004. http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21104a/e211da05.html

Murray, Alexander S. Who's Who in Mythology: A Classic Guide to the Ancient World. Avenel: Random House, 1989.

The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites. 1999. Stillwell, Richard, William L. MacDonald, and Marian Holland McAllister, eds. Tufts University. March 15, 2004. http://www.perseus/tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0006%3Aid%3Dcorinth

Parada, Carlos. Greek Mythology Link. 1997. March 15, 2004. http://homepage.mac.com/cparada/GML/Corinth.html