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The Agora, or Roman Forum, was the heart of Ancient Corinth. It’s located south of the Temple of Apollo, just a short walk from the site entrance.
The Agora was rectangular in shape, measuring 160 meters by 70 meters. It contained shops on the north, west, south, and in the center. There were also small temples. Before being converted into the Agora, the space served as a stadium and race track.
West End
In front of the West Shops were a series of small temples. They were built by the Romans in the 1st and 2nd centuries. The temples consist of Temple F (Venus Genetrix), Temple G (Apollo of Klaros), Temple H (probably dedicated to Heracles), Temple J (probably dedicated to Poseidon), the Monument of Babbius Philinus, Temple D, and Temple K (probably dedicated to Tyche).
Northwest Shops
The Northwest Shops consisted of 16 small buildings. The central building had a vaulted roof and was later used as a church. In front of the shops on the east side was the Sacred Spring, which dates back to the 8th century BC.
Bema
The Bema sits in the middle of the Central Shops. It was a large elevated pedestal from which Roman officials would address the public.
Paul the Apostle stayed in Ancient Corinth for a year and a half, and was accused by the city’s Jews for illegal teachings and put on trial. The trial took place at the Bema in front of Roman proconsul Gallio, who dismissed the charges.
The Bema was converted into a three-aisled Christian basilica during Byzantine times, between the 10th and 12th centuries. It was partially reconstructed from 2007 to 2013.
Heroon of the Crossroads Shrine
The Heroon of the Crossroads Shrine sat in front of the Bema. It was a shrine that contained a grave. Ancient Corinthians may have thought of its occupant as one of their first ancestors.
South Stoa
On the south end of the Agora was the South Stoa. The stoa contained another row of shops and was one of the longest porticoed buildings in ancient Greece. It was built in the late 4th century BC and abandoned by the 6th century. Excavation took place between 1933 and 1948.
The South Stoa was 164 meters long by 25 meters wide. The façade contained 71 Doric columns, with an internal colonnade of 34 Ionic columns. There were 33 two-room units, with the ground floor serving as restaurants and shops. Other buildings on the South Stoa included the Bouleuterion, a fountain house, and the South Basilica. The Bouleuterion dates back to the late 1st century and served as the council house of Ancient Corinth.
Julian Basilica
Finally, on the east side of the Agora was the Julian Basilica. It was built in the early 1st century with limestone. Several statues were displayed in the building, including those of Augustus, Gaius, Lucius, and Nero. The basilica may have served as a law court and the seat of the Imperial Cult.
Next…
After exploring all the features of the Agora, I continued down the Lechaion Road towards the exit to the archaeological site.
