Corinth

The ruins at Corinth were sensational. The city had some sophisticated developments which were amazing. Very organized in civic dimensions with wealthy people expected to donate to the public purse; plumbing, with fresh water flowing separate from waste and several other aspects.

I found it amazing that a large, inscripted stone we stood around (and literally on) laying out in the open with no protection is a key part of validating The Acts as an historical document.



The Rastus Stone


This stone is carved with the name of Rastus who was a civic official in Corinth at the time of Paul. Luke refers to him three times in Acts and his existence is verified from other published documents of the time. The link and chronology is apparently critical in putting Paul in the time and place that Luke reports – hence its existence is crucial to validation of ‘Acts’. But here it is, uncovered and exposed to the elements; able to be walked on and, I guess, prone to any act of vandalism. Oh well, that’s the way it goes.



We gathered for Mass under a tree in the centre of Ancient Corinth – probably about the same spot the early Corinthians would have done likewise.


Ancient Corinth


We stopped for lunch on the edge of the Corinth Canal, a spectacular setting. We are driving now to Patra (or Patras) to the north of Corinth passing some very nice, Greek-looking residences on the shoreline – just like you would expect.


Corinth Canal - a shame they didn't employ a geologist!


The bus is very comfortable; new with leather seats and ample room. Sitting up the back and typing this while some others snooze.

The guide we have is quite remarkable. Very knowledgeable but this is integrated and understood – not something learned from a guide-book. His grasp of etymology (I hope I have that right – I don’t think he knows anything of bugs or insects) is amazing. Never realized the links so many of our words had with Greek derivatives. Ostracise is one – where the Greeks had a sophisticated secret ballot system to send anyone considered ‘too powerful’ to the outer (but NOT exiled, so they could keep an eye on them) for 10 years or so and then bring them back; this kept them in check so nobody could get a big head and take over.

About to hit Patra which boasts one of the longest single span bridges(? I will have to google this later to check; it is the longest something – and very impressive to boot).


The Patras Bridge



The city of Patras boasts the Church of St Andrew, a brother of Peter, who was martyred here on an 'X' shaped cross. The church was impressive and the beggars outside (a mum who sent her young kids to try their luck as well) were persistent.




St Andrew's Church at Patras




Icon of St Andrew on an 'X' shaped cross (just like a 'St Andrew's Cross')




Relics of St Andrew in Patras.



Have now arrived in Galaxidis on the southern coast of the Greek peninsula, not far from the Delphi area. We got here in the dark but it is very picturesque apparently. We leave early in the morning but hopefully not before dawn. I make it a habit never to see dawn if I can help it, so not sure what time it happens in this area.




The Europa Hotel near Galaxides


The drive from Corinth to here along the southern edge of the Ionian Sea or Corinthian Gulf was stunning to say the least. Beautiful coastline with villages in each bay or inlet as we drove the ‘scenic route’.


Highlight of the Day?? – definitely the area of Ancient Corinth; although seeing the Corinth Canal built through barely consolidated sediments and gravels with a very steep batter and clearly visible fault lines does stir some geological memories. Apparently they have to close the canal regularly for repair and clearing the fallen rocks and debris. A shame they did not employ a geologist when they built it – but I guess the builders at Pisa also saved some money by not employing a geologist.