Excavation of Corinth Book Report

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Ancient Corinth, located in Greece, is located in the northeast area of the Peloponnese at the front of the Gulf of Corinth was one of the largest cities of the ancient world and perfect for trade and commerce since it was strategically located between the Corinthian gulf and the Saronic gulf, and possessed two harbors. Imports and exports from and to Asia used the harbor leading to Cenchrea, on the Saronic Gulf, whilst ships travelling to and from Europe arrived at Lechaeum, on the Corinthian gulf ([footnoteRef:1]). [1: Excavations in Ancient Corinthhttp://www.ascsa.edu.gr/index.php/excavationcorinth/about-the-corinth-excavations/]

Corinth contained a quarter of a million people and became notorious for its standards of high-living and immorality. One ancient writer, in fact, used the term 'to Corinthianize', as synonymous for engaging in immorality. Its existence as a center of trade also made it a prosperous city.

Excavations of ancient Corinth were initiated in 1896 by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and progressed without interruption until today. Focus has largely been on the area around the mid-6th century B.C. Temple of Apollo, although other archeological work has also been conducted on the area outside the village perimeters including regions belonging to the Sanctuary of Demeter and Kore on the tips of Acrocorinth, in the Potters Quarter, at the places of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, and near the Kenchreian Gate Basilica.

Objectives of the current excavation

The earliest explorations were interested in uncovering the topography, but between 1925 and 1940 interest shifted from topographic to taxonomic and chronological concerns. Archeologists uncovered a mass of material on urban history, buildings, inscriptions, sculpture, ceramics and minor objects. Directions changed yet again in the mid-1960s when, under the guidance of Charles Williams, archeologists working in Corinth focused on the human," as opposed to the "monumental" aspects of the ancient world. This is still the area of interest today.

Current exploration today has moved to the Panayia Field, which is located to the southeast of the Forum.

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Other areas that have recently been explored include the surrounding settlements of Korakou, Kenchreai and Isthmia ([footnoteRef:2]) [2: The American School of Classical Studies At Athens. http://www.ascsa.edu.gr/index.php/excavationcorinth/about-the-corinth-excavations/]

Key archeologists at the site before World War II included B. Hill, C. Blegen, W. Dinsmoor, Sr., O. Broneer, and R. Carpenter. Later directors included H. Robinson (1959-1965), C.K. Williams II (1965-1997) and G.D.R. Sanders (1997-present). Excavations have included remains from the Early Neolithic period (6500-5750 B.C.) up to early modern times. All finds are housed in the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth.

Significance of discoveries to biblical study

St. Paul visited Corinth on his second missionary visit (Acts chapter 18 verses 1-17) where he established one of his largest and most successful churches. His succeeding visits to the place are detailed in 1 and 2 Corinthians. Acts chapter 18 verse 4 tells us that Paul visited the local synagogue on each Sabbath when he was in the place telling the Jews to accept Jesus. Chapter 18 mentioned the names of two of the rulers of the synagogue: Crispus and Sosthenes.

Archaeologists have, actually, uncovered an ancient inscription that points to the existence of a synagogue that dates to approximately five years after Paul visited the place. In 1898, archaeologists discovered an inscription in ancient Corinth carved in a block of limestone, belonging to a piece of the doorway. Menorahs, to decorating a column that dates from the late Roman period points to significant Jewish populations in Corinth in both of these eras. (Facing the challenge).

Excavations in Corinth significantly substantiated descriptions in Acts in reference to Paul's visit to the site.

Acts chapter 18 verses 1-17 tells us that Paul spent 18 months in place on his first visit there. In verse 12, we learn how a group of opposed Jews brought Paul to the place of judgment, or court, in the center of the city. This place was also….....

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