Corinth

Yesterday, we embarked on a day trip to the ancient city of Corinth. It was about an hour and a half bus ride to the Peloponnese, across the Corinth Canal. The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. The construction of the canal began in the 7th century BC. The project was abandoned for a more inexpensive way to transport goods from one gulf to the other, the ancient diolkos. The diolkos was a stone road that led from the Gulf of Corinth to the Saronic Gulf. The sailors used this road to transport the goods instead of sailing around the Peloponnese in rough waters. Emperor Julius Caesar attempted to continue construction of the canal but was assassinated before he could finish the project. Emperor Nero was the first to actually begin construction on the canal by removing the first load of soil in 67 AD, but the project was abandoned, yet again, after he passed away shortly after. The construction of the canal was finally finished in 1947 and was opened for use on July 7, 1948.

Corinth Canal 

Ancient Diolkos

Once arriving in Corinth, we began a tour of Ancient Corinth. We were told that only 1% of the ancient city has been excavated. We began in the museum that contains all of the artifacts that have been discovered during the excavation of the ancient city. 

Sculptures found in a workshop 

Ancient gutter

Emperor Augustus Caesar

Emperor Nero

Emperor Julius Caesar

Ancient mirror and tweezers found in a woman's tomb

Mosaic

Mosaic

Mosaic

Well preserved grave

The following three pictures were of artifacts found in Asklepios' sanctuary, the god of medicine. Patients followed an established ritual when they came for therapy. They entered the sanctuary through the east gate where they were purified with water. All visitors, sick or healthy, must go through this process. After purification, they were led to the altar where they ate healthy food. To the right of the altar, there was a cube stone with a slit to put coins in. After passing the altar, visitors proceeded to the sanctuary. Doors to the left, led to the abaton, where people in hope of a cure remained. It led to a space where they descended into a bath. It is said that Asklepios suffered a terrible fate when he was struck by a lightning bolt thrown by Zeus when he attempted to bring a dead man back to life.

The ceiling of the ancient theater

Perfume bottles

Sphinx 

Bronze helmet used in battle

After the museum, we proceeded with the tour of Ancient Corinth. The city was a very wicked city, as mentioned in Paul's letters. In Acts 18, it says that Paul resided here for eighteen months, where he met Aquila and Priscilla. Paul worked with them because both were tent makers. While in the city, we sat under a tree and read Acts 18. It was chilling to think that we were reading exactly where this writing happened. I could just picture the story being told. It became very vivid to me. 

Ancient water reservior

Ancient Bema, where the courts took place. Tradition says they are positive that the apostle Paul stood right here.

Ancient Odeum

Starting line for a race, the grooves are for the runners feet

Temple of Apollo

Ancient Hospital

Ancient water fountain

Extra biblical evidence that Paul was here. Proof that Erastus paid to have this road made. He is mentioned in Romans 16:23, Acts 19:22, and 2 Timothy 4:20.

Acts 18

After touring Ancient Corinth, we climbed to the top of Acrocorinth, and ancient fortress built atop the mountain that overlooks Corinth. It was used by many different groups as a fortress during wars. The view was spectacular.

After lunch, we rode out to the Port of Cenchreae. It just recently sunk under water from an earthquake that began in the gulf and went all the way to Athens. Some ruins still remain. Tradition says Paul had a shop on this dock. 

After this, we enjoyed a peaceful ride back the hotel while adoring the Greek countryside.