Tuesday, January 21, 2014

CORINTH-Script for Polis Presentation

Emerson: Corinth is in a perfect location. It is located on the Isthmus of Corinth that connects mainland Greece and Pelloponnesus. It borders both Sparta and Athens.

Eric: It is located about 78 kilometers (48 mi) southwest of Athens. Corinth also has large navigable harbors in two gulfs, the Saronic Gulf and the Gulf of Corinth.

Raj: History is a bit unclear as to who actually founded Corinth.

According to one myth, Corinthus, a descendant of Helios (the sun god) founded Corinth in 5000BC.  According to another myth, Sisyphus (the grandfather of Bellerophon) founded Corinth.

Sung: According to this myth, Sisyphus persuaded Hades to demonstrate the use of handcuffs. Sisyphus locked Hades in a closet in his home. After Sisyphus died, Hades punished him by forcing him to roll a large boulder up a hill for eternity. Sisyphus’ son, Glaucus and his grandson, Bellerophon ruled Corinth in later years.

Emerson: Corinth developed very quickly due to their vast amount of exchange taking place in the city-state. Corinth soon became one of the earliest cities to adopt minting of coins.

Eric: Cypselus was the first tyrant of Corinth. His son, Periander was the second tyrant of Corinth. He ruled from 627 BCE - 587 BCE and established more law and order, such as lowering taxes, encouraging Corinth business, patronized literature and art, set up a coinage, and solved the city's unemployment problems with huge public work programs.

Raj: Supposedly, Bellerophon the third king of Corinth (who ruled after his father, Glaucus) was first to tame the Pegasus. Since then, the Pegasus became a symbol of Corinth.

Sung: In 570 BC, the inhabitants of Corinth started to use silver coins called 'colts' or 'foals.' From 400-350 BC, Corinthian coins had a Pegasus carved on the front. On the opposite side of the coin the Corinthians carved out the head of Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom.

Emerson: Because of its location, Corinth was a great trade and cultural center.

From the 8th century BCE, Corinthian pottery led its export across Greece. Corinthian pottery dominated the Greek pottery market until the 6th century BCE. Corinth also built the most advanced ships in the ancient world, which the Corinthians adopted from the Phoenicians in 700 BCE.

Eric: Corinth had the best natural acropolis in all of Greece, called the Acrocorinthus. The Acrocorinthus is a 2,000-foot fortress with inexhaustible springs. On top of the Acrocorinthus stood a temple dedicated to Aphrodite- the goddess of love. The city also made temples for Apollo and Asclepius, the god of healing.

Raj:

HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS:

Paul the apostle was the founder of the first church in Corinth

In 581 BC, leading families of Corinth established the Isthmian Games.

In 550 BC, Corinth became an ally of Sparta.

In 525 BC, Corinth formed a conciliatory alliance with Sparta against Argos.

In 519 BC, Corinth mediated between Athens and Thebes.

Around 500 BC, Athenians and Corinthians entreated Spartans not to harm Athens by restoring the tyrant.

Emerson: (AFTER READING THE MOTTOS)

Corinth was a highly developed and vibrant polis. Its prime location and status as a trade and cultural center made it an important part of Greek history.

 

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