Our next stopdurin our 2024 Journey to the Peloponese in Greece was Ancient Corinth. This is another fantastic archeological site. When I think of Ancient Corinth, the Apostle Paul and his letters to the Corinthians come to mind. Corinth was a place Paul visited several times as a missionary as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible. We toured Ancient Corinth on our own but if you are interested in the Biblical connection and following St Paul’s footsteps in this area of Greece, Viator has a full day Biblical Corinth tour from Athens you may want to look at by clicking here. Viator also has other tours which combine other Ancient sites in the area.
Location
Ancient Corinth is 116 km (72 miles) from Athens International Airport. It is an easy, straightforward drive.
History
Ancient Corinth, situated near the Isthmus that links the Peloponnese to mainland Greece, was a strategically significant trading center starting in the 8th century BC. Governed by the aristocratic Briacchiad family, a Royal Doric clan known for their strict endogamy, the family’s culture emphasized relationships, marriages, and events solely within their clan.
Between 687 and 655 BC Cypcelus and his son Periander became the tyrannical leaders of Corinth after the Briacchiad Family was overthrown. This era brought much prosperity to Ancient Corinth and Corinth became known throughout Greece as a major trading center. He ruled Corinth with a tyrannical government favoring the poor over the rich making laws that limited the privileges of landowners and even taking their land from them.
An oligarch gained control of Corinth in 585 AD who partnered with Sparta throughout the Persian and Pelloponnesian wars. In the 4th century BC, after the Peloponnesian war, Corinth became independent from Sparta.
Unfortunately, the Roman Empire conquered Corinth in 146 BC and completely demolished the city. In 44 BC, Rome rebuilt Corinth and once again the city prospered.
Touring Ancient Corinth
After visiting Ancient Olympia and driving through the mountains, we didn’t arrive to Ancient Corinth until about 4:30. We checked in promptly to our hotel and walked over to the ruins. Ancient Corinth is not as large as some of the ruins we had been visiting but yet it was very intriguing.
Although there is a map to follow, and a few buildings are marked, some of the areas were hard for us to identify. I have first added places that between the two of us that we identified, or I should say we think we identified. I added interesting miscellaneous photos that we did not identify. As always I welcome feedback from those who know much more about this area than I do.
Fountain of Glauke
This ancient stone made of bedrock has many channels for water carved into it along with four reservoirs. At one time it was inside a building and fed by a natural spring. Later on the water supply came by viaduct from Acrocorinth.
Temple of Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is the most iconic building in Ancient Corinth and is one of the most ancient Doric temples in both the Peloponnese and Mainland of Greece. Built of local limestone in 560 BC, this grand temple sits upon a rocky hill and overlooks this ancient city. It replaced an earlier temple that sat on this site from the 7th century BC. Although only 7 of the 42 grand columns which surround the perimeter of this temple remain, you can get a good feel of how grand this once was. According to early writings, a bronze statue of Apollo was housed inside the temple.
West Shops
The west shops were once vaulted with 6 columns on each side of a central staircase. In front of the west shops were small temples.
The South Stoa
The South Stoa was a large and important building. Its use, as a public building with administrative offices, shops and workrooms, made it a busy area. Originally built in the 3rd century BC this building was the largest in Greece in its day and there were 71 external columns and 35 inner columns. Some still visible to this day.
The Bouleuterion
The Bouleuterion is inside the Agora and was the counsel house during the Roman Era. This is where the government worked.
Saint Paul and the Bema
As mentioned above, Saint Paul was well known in Ancient Corinth. He was in the eastern Mediterranean from 46-58 AD with the goal of converting the faithful to Christianity. St Paul made visits to several Greek cities with the most renowned being Ancient Corinth. While staying in Corinth, St Paul worked with local Jewish men as a tentmaker. While here he preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There was strong opposition to his teachings from some members of the Jewish faith. Because of this, he instead focused his teaching to the gentiles who well accepted his preachings.
While in Corinth, Saint Paul was accused of teaching illegal theory and therefore brought before the judge Galilio. The Judge ruled this to be a religious dispute and therefore Saint Paul was not charged. History tells us Saint Paul was triad at the Bema. The Bema was a large prominent stage like area in the center of the forum. The Bema area eventually became a Christian church during the Byzantine times.
Temple E
Built in the 1st century AD Temple E was possibly dedicated to Octavia.
The Museum
Although not a large museum, the museum at Ancient Corinth showcases some lovely treasures of Greece. I especially enjoyed the statues.
Miscellaneous Photos
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Maria’s Boutique Rooms just a short walk from the ruins. It was clean, comfortable and also had a nice balcony right outside the room.
Where We Ate
We enjoyed a wonderful meal at Marino’s. Marino’s served generous portions of traditional Greek food. The atmosphere was lively with indoor or outdoor dining and the staff was very friendly. We really enjoyed this meal. We ordered bread, tzatziki, Greek salad and also moussaka
Conclusion
Ancient Corinth is probably an underrated archeological site yet it is another amazing site in Greece. Although it is not large, it is full of history. I especially loved the museum on site. I do believe that when the museums are on site, it really enhances my visit as compared to a regional or national museum. The modern town around Ancient Corinth is really a good spot to stay as it is easy to get around and everything we saw this particular evening was in walking distance.
For Further Reading
If you are interested in learning more about Ancient Corinth here are a few links through Amazon to books I enjoyed. If you have Kindle Unlimited a couple of these books qualify for this service.
Corinth, The History and Legacy of the Ancient Greek City-State
Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels
Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympics-September 2024
The Old Fortress of Pylos-August 2024
Aria Estate Suites and Spa August 2024
Kardamyli Old Town-August 2024
The Old Sparta to Kalamata Road, August 2024
o the Top of Monemvaisa-August 2024
Exploring Ancient Sparta-August 2024
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Acronauplia Fortress-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2026
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Wow I loved reading this. I suddenly remembered I did a study project for scripture lessons on st Paul’s travels when I was 12. I think I have just realised why I enjoyed studying Greek and Roman history at university. 😂
I found it to be a very intriguing place. Just imagine, walking where St Paul did!! Thanks for reading and commenting! Lori
I know! It’s awesome.
St. Paul was a real traveler. We stopped at Corinth in 1984, but I had forgotten just how great this spot was. Thanks for sharing Lori. Allan
Yes he was quite a traveler! I really think Ancient Corinth is a top site! Lori
Stunning ruins and good food! I didn’t know that Saint Paul ventured that far to Greece (then again, I’m not well-versed in the Bible)! Another great excursion in Greece!
I’m not sure how many places he visited but I know quite a few and at least as far east as Thessaloniki!
Paul travelled to share the gospel of Jesus far and wide. He was imprisoned, whipped, stoned and shipwrecked. Nothing stopped him sharing the truth so that those with hearts ready for change would be saved.
So true! He has lots of connections to Greece and other Mediterranean areas.
I am currently taking a deep dive into the book of Acts so this is very interesting!
Oh nice! I have not done that but may have to after the research I have done for this blog. Very interactive!
For a quick overview to start check out the short videos of The Bible Project. They outline all the books in the Bible in a great arty format.
Thank you! Good information!
Lori, nice post. Lots of info and historical context. Sadly, tyrannical leaders are not relegated to only the past. Why some believe they are the only ones walking in the sunshine baffles me. Could do with some good “smiting” these days. Lordy, Lordy.
Thank you! Yes, their are still tyrannical leaders! Have a good wee, Jerry!!
Greece looks like a much larger country to visit than I thought and I would need to study up more on its ancient history to enjoy it.
We are amazed at how much their is to see and do in Greece. I like to read about their ancient civilizations and enjoy their mythology as well.