Fascinating Facts About Ancient Corinthia
1. The Wealthiest City of the Ancient World
In antiquity, Corinth was known as “Aphneios Korinthos” (Wealthy Corinth). Because of its strategic location between the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs, the city controlled all trade between Northern Greece and the Peloponnese, making it one of the richest and most powerful city-states in history.
2. The Diolkos: The “Railway” of Antiquity
Long before the modern Canal was dug in 1893, the Corinthians had a genius solution for crossing the Isthmus. The Diolkos was a paved trackway that allowed ships to be hauled overland on wheeled platforms. This saved sailors from the dangerous 700km journey around the Peloponnese!
3. The Isthmian Games
Did you know that Corinth hosted its own “Olympics”? The Isthmian Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Ancient Greece, held every two years in honor of Poseidon. Winners weren’t crowned with olive wreaths like in Olympia, but with wreaths of pine or celery!
4. Pegasus: The Mythical Symbol
The famous winged horse, Pegasus, is the symbol of Corinth. According to mythology, it was at the Peirene Fountain in Ancient Corinth where the hero Bellerophon captured and tamed the magnificent creature with the help of the goddess Athena.
5. The Two Harbors
Corinth was the only city in ancient Greece to have two major ports: Lechaion on the Corinthian Gulf (facing Italy and the West) and Kenchreai on the Saronic Gulf (facing the Aegean and the East). This “dual-port” status is what made it a global trade hub.