CORINTH

(1) Anc. and modern city, on Gulf of Corinth, Greece (37° 55’ N., 22° 56’ E.). New Corinth has arisen since destruction of old town by earthquake, 1858; lies some 3 m, distant from anc. site; but, notwithstanding completion of Isthmian canal, 1893, has regained little of Corinth’s historic prosperity and splendor; exports currants, oil, wax, honey, wheat, etc. From earliest times Corinth played a leading role in Gr. history; its geographical situation gave it great maritime and commercial importance; its industries (copper work, dyeing, weaving, etc.) brought it riches; its colonies (e.g., Corcyra and Syracuse) spread its fame abroad; its arch, constituted the most decorative order of Gr. arch.; its luxuriance was proverbial. Amer. archzologists have recently excavated some of its famous fountains, temples, theatres, etc. The lofty A croc or in thus (anc. natural fortre ) overlooks the ruins, A long: established oligarchy was overthrown, c. 650 B. C., by Cypselus, who, followed by Per i an der, maintained a beneficent tyranny till 582, and raised Corinth to pitch of prosperity and power. City joined Sparta against rival Athens in Peloponnesian War, 431; from 335-197 B. C. (except from 243-222) under Maced on i an rule; sacked by Romans (146; works of art removed to Rome); rebuilt by Cesar, 46 B. ©.; St, Paul’s visit, c. A. D. 50; taken by Alaric, 396; by Normans, 1147; by Turks, 1459; under Venetians, 1698-1715; finally recovered by Greeks, 1822. Pop. 4,200. (2) Gulf of Corinth or Lepanto separates Hellas from Morea; shores fertile but liable to earthquakes; scene of many battles; (3) Isthmus of Corinth separates Gulf of Corinth from Gulf of Agina; connects Morea with /Attica; ship canal (opened 1893) is little used by steamers. The ruins include the Isthmian Wall and the temple of Poseidon.