Walking around Ancient Corinth
one can easily see the Temple of Apollo, which dominates the highest point in
the archaeological site in Ancient Corinth. From there the visitor is able to
see the Gulf of Corinth. The Temple is believed to have been built around 540
BC, where it replaced a previous temple, from the 7th century BC.
Before excavations began in this area, the only thing visible were the columns
from this temple, indicating to the archaeologists and the locals that there
are ancient ruins in this area.
Apollo’s Temple is built in the
Doric style, as seen from the simple style of the columns. When it was intact
it had 6 columns across and 15 along. Unfortunately, today there are only 7
columns standing. However, interestingly enough, the columns at this temple are
monolithic, meaning that it is not made up of pieces, but it is cut and stands
as one piece. Another significant feature to be found at Apollo’s Temple in
Ancient Corinth is that the floor beneath each colonnade rises in a convex
curve. This is the earliest known occurrence of this type. Interestingly
enough, this feature was later used at the Parthenon, on the Acropolis, in
Athens. According to some descriptions of the Temple, and more specifically from
Pausania, there was a bronze statue of Apollo located within the Temple.
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