The Fortress and the Hexamilion
Greece /
Korinthia /
Isthmia /
World
/ Greece
/ Korinthia
/ Isthmia
, 1 km from center (Ισθμία)
World / Greece / Peloponnisos
tower, archaeological site, interesting place, Ancient Greece
The massive fortifications built along the isthmus in the 5th century AD were designed to protect the Peloponnese from an invasion from the north by the Visigoths. At Isthmia, these include the Byzantine Fortress and the Hexamilion Wall.
The Fortress
The fortress at Isthmia was built in the 5th century AD and incorporated a Roman monumental arch. This, then, became the northeast gate to the fortress, and thus the grand entrance into what had been the Sanctuary of Poseidon, as well as the entire Peloponnese. The structure lies 150 m. to the east of the Roman Bath and projects southward from the Hexamilion Wall.
Excavation in the northern areas of the Fortress has uncovered many grave sites, sometimes containing several burials, and it appears that life continued in the fortress even when there was no threat of invasion. Excavation of these grave sites suggest that entire families lived there in times of peace. Throughout its history, the fortress was refurbished and used by many different forces including the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Franks and the Ottoman Turks; and it remained in use until the 17th century.
The Hexamilion
The Hexamilion (six-mile) wall stretches across the entire isthmus of Greece. The Hexamilion required an enormous quantity of stone to construct, and many no-longer used buildings of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, including the Temple and surrounding constructions, were plundered for stone. The temple itself was torn down to its foundations. The wall was constructed of large ashlar masonry blocks, mortar, and rubble, and still survives in many parts today. Overall, there were 153 towers along its length. Literary sources tell us that several walls were built across the isthmus throughout antiquity, to protect the Peloponnese against invasion.
The Hexamilion and the Fortress are continued points of interest and study for OSU Excavations at Isthmia. Currently, the Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia staff are conducting a study of the spolia within the Hexamilion in an attempt to locate, identify, and record blocks which originated from the structures within the sanctuary. During the fifth century AD, when the fortifications were being constructed, the builders made use of the ready supply of cut stone and marble that had originally been part of Temple, Bath, Theatre, and athletic structures, but had since fallen into disuse. This work is ongoing and expected to continue through the 2001 field season.
from:
isthmia.osu.edu/forthex.html
The Fortress
The fortress at Isthmia was built in the 5th century AD and incorporated a Roman monumental arch. This, then, became the northeast gate to the fortress, and thus the grand entrance into what had been the Sanctuary of Poseidon, as well as the entire Peloponnese. The structure lies 150 m. to the east of the Roman Bath and projects southward from the Hexamilion Wall.
Excavation in the northern areas of the Fortress has uncovered many grave sites, sometimes containing several burials, and it appears that life continued in the fortress even when there was no threat of invasion. Excavation of these grave sites suggest that entire families lived there in times of peace. Throughout its history, the fortress was refurbished and used by many different forces including the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Franks and the Ottoman Turks; and it remained in use until the 17th century.
The Hexamilion
The Hexamilion (six-mile) wall stretches across the entire isthmus of Greece. The Hexamilion required an enormous quantity of stone to construct, and many no-longer used buildings of the Sanctuary of Poseidon, including the Temple and surrounding constructions, were plundered for stone. The temple itself was torn down to its foundations. The wall was constructed of large ashlar masonry blocks, mortar, and rubble, and still survives in many parts today. Overall, there were 153 towers along its length. Literary sources tell us that several walls were built across the isthmus throughout antiquity, to protect the Peloponnese against invasion.
The Hexamilion and the Fortress are continued points of interest and study for OSU Excavations at Isthmia. Currently, the Ohio State University Excavations at Isthmia staff are conducting a study of the spolia within the Hexamilion in an attempt to locate, identify, and record blocks which originated from the structures within the sanctuary. During the fifth century AD, when the fortifications were being constructed, the builders made use of the ready supply of cut stone and marble that had originally been part of Temple, Bath, Theatre, and athletic structures, but had since fallen into disuse. This work is ongoing and expected to continue through the 2001 field season.
from:
isthmia.osu.edu/forthex.html
Nearby cities:
Coordinates: 37°54'57"N 22°59'35"E
- Archaeological Site of Isthmia 0.2 km
- Diolkos Corinth (Railway) 4.9 km
- The Harbor of Lechaion 10 km
- Acrocorinth 11 km
- Acropolis 22 km
- Ancient city of Kleonai 22 km
- Archaeological site of Ancient Nemea 28 km
- Archaia Nemea 29 km
- Mycenae 29 km
- Leuktra (Leuctra) 41 km
- Géfyra Isthmoú 1.6 km
- Parádisos 1.6 km
- Corinth Canal 2.2 km
- Gulf of Kalamaki 2.3 km
- Port of Kalamaki 2.7 km
- Isthmus of Corinth 3.3 km
- Greek Navy ordnance depot 4.1 km
- Mount Oneion 6.6 km
- Megara Gulf 22 km
- Peripheral unit of Corinthia 26 km