Ancient Biblical city of Corinth destroyed by earthquake 1,400 years ago uncovered in underwater excavations

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In 2017, underwater archeologists discovered the Roman Harbour at Lechaion – the main harbour town of ancient Corinth, which was completely destroyed by an earthquake 1,400 years ago. The Greek city, which was rebuilt in 44BC by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, holds major significance for Christians since Jesus’s disciple Paul is said to have visited there and wrote two letters about his time in Corinth as featured in the New Testament. The findings include well-preserved harbour structures dating back to the 1st century AD when the Romans had recolonised Corinth. The discoveries range from monuments built of 5 ton blocks to very rare, extremely well-preserved organic finds.

Archeologists have uncovered almost perfectly intact architecture from the ancient Biblical city of Corinth – despite being wiped out by a devastating earthquake 1,400 years ago.

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The ancient port of Corinth was buried by a large earthquake 1,400 years ago. via Lechaion Harbor Project

The giant earthquake that hit the region caused huge layers of sediment to cover the artefacts and allowed them to barely be touched by decay, despite their age.

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Corinth, a Greek city was rebuilt in 44BC by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar and holds major significance for Christians. via Daily Mail

Corinth officials built the harbour towns of Lechaion and Kenchreai to take advantage of its two-mile distance from the sea in Greece. The pair of harbours connected the ancient city to a host of Mediterranean trade networks and helped it become one of the most powerful and wealthy cities in the region.

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  1. […] In 2017, underwater archeologists discovered the Roman Harbour at Lechaion – the main harbour town of ancient Corinth, which was completely destroyed by an earthquake 1,400 years ago. The Greek city, which was rebuilt in 44BC by Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, holds major significance for Christians since Jesus’s disciple Paul is said to have visited there and wrote two letters about his time in Corinth as featured in the New Testament. The findings include well-preserved harbour structures dating back to the 1st century AD when the Romans had recolonised Corinth. The discoveries range from monuments built of 5 ton blocks to very rare, extremely well-preserved organic finds.  Read More… […]

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