ANCIENT CORINTH, MYCENAE AND THE TOMB OF AGAMEMNON

Ancient Corinth is located between two seas (the Corinthian and the Saronic gulfs or the Aegean and the Ionian seas) and between the land of the Peloponnese and that of mainland Greece had a decisive impact on the ancient city’s development and its long-lasting life.

Below is a view of the Corninth Canal that separates the mainland from the Peolponnesian Peninsula:

The ruins of ancient Corinth, including the remarkable Temple of Apollo and the expansive Roman Forum, stand as a testament to the city's rich and varied history. The Temple of Apollo, an architectural marvel, was constructed in the Doric order, which is characterized by its sturdy columns and simple elegance. This temple was built atop the remnants of an earlier temple, showcasing the continuity of worship and the importance of this site throughout different eras. The Temple of Apollo is an exemplary instance of a peripteral temple, meaning it is surrounded by a single row of columns, which in this case number 38 in total; of these, 7 columns remain standing today, providing a glimpse into the grandeur that once was. The temple not only served a religious purpose but also symbolized the wealth and power of Corinth during its peak.

Furthermore, archaeological evidence suggests that the area where Corinth stands today was likely the site of a Bronze Age Mycenaean palace-city, akin to other notable Mycenaean centers such as Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos. This connection to the Mycenaean civilization highlights the strategic significance of Corinth throughout ancient history, as it served as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange. According to myth, the legendary figure of Sisyphus is credited as the founder of a lineage of ancient kings who ruled over Corinth, embedding the city deeply within the realm of Greek mythology. His tale of cunning and punishment by the gods adds a layer of intrigue to the historical narrative of Corinth.

Additionally, it was in this vibrant city that the hero Jason, the famed leader of the Argonauts, made the fateful decision to abandon his love, the sorceress Medea. This dramatic episode not only underscores the personal stories intertwined with Corinth's history but also reflects the broader themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships that permeate Greek mythology. As such, the ruins of ancient Corinth encapsulate a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and mythological significance, making it a key site for understanding the ancient world.

Mycenae ranks among the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. This fortified citadel is situated above the fertile Argolis plain, close to the coast in the northeastern Peloponnese. Mycenae stands as the largest and most crucial hub of the civilization that took its name, “Mycenaean,” from this citadel itself.

The Mycenaean culture was the leading civilization in mainland Greece, the Aegean islands, and the coasts of Asia Minor during the late Bronze Age (around 1600-1100 BCE). This era marks the final phase of the Helladic Civilization, which had thrived in mainland Greece since 3000 BCE.

The Tomb of Agamemnon is one of several ‘beehive’ tombs located near the ancient site of Mycenae. It is the best-preserved of these tholos tombs, though the others are also worth visiting. These tombs feature a passageway, known as a dromos, leading to the entrance, typically a large doorway. Inside, there is the tholos, a circular room with a domed roof. The construction of these tombs took place between 1510 BC and 1220 BC.