Corinth: Portrait of an Idiosyncratic Greek City

Ancient Corinth was the first, major long-term excavation undertaken in Greece by the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. Begun in 1896, these investigations have continued with few interruptions until today. A commercial powerhouse, Corinth has been overshadowed by Athens, about which a great deal more is known in the ancient sources. A review of some of the more interesting and unusual Corinthian monuments, beginning in the 9th century B.C. and ending with Corinth’s destruction by the Roman general, Lucius Mummius, in 146 B.C., will reveal to us a city, ruled by an oligarchy, that was rich and innovative. In addition, evidence of Corinth’s commercial activities provides an interesting insight into certain aspects of ancient trade.
Dr. Nancy Bookidis is Assistant Director Emerita of the Corinth Excavations, part of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens (ASCSA).

Sponsored by the UCSB Ancient Mediterranean Studies Program and the Ancient Borderlands Research Focus Group.

jwil 25.xi.2012