Ancient Corinth — Attraction in Municipality of Corinth

Corinth was a superpower not only of the ancient Greek world, but the ancient world altogether. Its origins are lost deep within the Neolithic age, alas little remains of this era as well as the ones following it (i.e. Mycenean) as it was constantly inhabited and these were covered by multiple layers of overstructures. The wealthiest city in the Greek world produced the Corinthian helmet, the iconic, practical and economically produced helmet that protected most Greek hoplites for centuries. It also designed and produced the trireme, the legendary warship that dominated the seas and won battles such as Salamis and Mykali. Its colonies were multiple, and some became renowned cities in their own right, such as Syracuse and Epidamnos (which today we know as Dyrrhahium or Durres, as renamed). Its greatest period was during the Archaic age, under the guidance of Periandros. The core of all that can be seen here was built in those times. The ascension of Athens as the premier sea power and the loss of Corinthian seafaring profits triggered the Peloponnesian war. The Corinthians were cunning enough to manipulate Sparta into fighting for their interests, masterfully leveraging Spartan pride. The bill came very much later, in 146 BC, when it was mercilessly sacked by the Romans, who a full century later financed its reconstruction. The city enjoyed a second extensive period of prosperity that was disrupted by barbarian raids in the late 3rd and late 4th century AD. Walk around and get a taste of these. It's easy to visit. Refreshments and food can be found right...

Ancient Corinth is actually situated on a hilltop about 6km outside the new town. Most of the historical site has been restored in a manner that reflects the ancient layout. The museum and site offers a window into life as it was more than 2000 years ago. Walls led from the hill to the sea.

It is also amazing that we live in a world of relative peace. The ancient world was fighting all the time - cities against cities - for the Greeks, it was control over Hellenia. The Persians and Athenians were competitors for power and influence. Every male Corinthian had to train to fight - as a hoplite, archer or calvary. In the end, even they could not hold out against the might of Rome. In 146BC, Corinth was razed. Every Corinth male was killed and all its female sold into slavery. That marked the end of ancient Corinth.

Julius Caesar rebuilt Corinth on the same site in 46BC as a colony and made it the capital of Achaea. The Temple of Apollo hails from this time. The city was, by the time of Christ, populated by Romans, Greeks and Jews. St Paul, who set foot in the city in 51AD, was tried at the Bema by proconsul Gallio for illegal teachings. He refused to convict. The Bema has been reconstructed and is one of the many reasons for people to visit the...

​The archaeological site of Ancient Corinth is an amazingly remarkable site, located 5 km southwest of the modern city of Corinth, in the heart of the new settlement Archaia Korinthos. The extent of the remains and ruins that contains theaters, buildings and structures: agora, temples, fountains, courtyards, public areas and forums are just slight vestiges giving a hint of the greatness of this ancient city. The site contains 3 separate theaters: (a) The Odeon that is located 130 m west to the Temple of Apollo, and it is in the best condition among the three. The Odeon was built in the last third of the 1st century A.D. and had a capacity of 3,000 spectators. (b) The big theater that was built in the early Hellenistic period and was the largest and the most impressive among the three, with a capacity of 18,000 spectators (located 70 m north to the Odeon). Unfortunately, this magnificent theater has not yet been seriously excavated. and ((c) the Roman Amphitheater that is located 1,200 m northeast to the Temple, in an fenced and abandoned open field, surrounded with olive trees. The entire site is very impressive and has tremendous historical value. Α ticket for both the Museum and the Archaeological Site cost 8€, and it worth...