Ancient Corinth
Greece, Europe
Ancient Corinth is located 85 kilometes west of Athens. It was one of Greece's richest cities around the 6th century BC. This is where the Isthmian Games were held every two years in honor of Poseidon, god of the sea. In 146 BC the city was destroyed by the Romans and was rebuilt as a Roman colony about a century later by Julius Caesar.
Saint Paul the Apostle stayed in Corinth for a few years where he founded a congregation. Excavations near the center of agora (the market place) revealed a speakers stand called 'bema' where Paul was brought before Proconsul Gallio on charges of "persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law." The charges were dismissed and Paul continued his travels and preaching.
The building of the Corinth Canal connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea was started during the rule of Emperor Nero in 67 AD. It was not completed until the 19th century.
August 25, 2006
