The Temple of Apollo, Ancient Corinth

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 7^th 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.