The Biblical city Corinth has a major significance among people who believe in Christianity. In the New Testament, Paul, a disciple of Jesus has written two letters describing his visits to the city. Around 1400 years ago, a mammoth earthquake shattered Corinth and sea gulped the ancient biblical city.
Now, new underwater excavations of Corinth's harbor at the port of Lechaion have discovered the remnants of this ancient city, and surprisingly, it is well preserved even after 1400 years. The wooden foundations of the city are preserved well, and it indicates the quality of ancient Roman architect. Researchers also found fishing lines and hooks, and ceramics from Turkey and Tunisia.
The researchers also claim that they have found an ancient lighthouse depicted in the coins collected from the city's remnants.
How the artifacts remained intact
The mammoth earthquake which hit Corinth resulted in the accumulation of a huge layer of sediment which protected the artifacts from decay. During the excavation, the researchers have also found large building blocks which weighed up to 5 tons.
"For almost two decades I have been hunting for the perfect archaeological context where all the organic material normally not found on land is preserved. The potential for more unique discoveries is mind-blowing," said Bjørn Lovén, director of the Leichaion Harbour Project, which is conducting the excavation project.
According to the researchers, these artifacts clearly tell us about the glory of ancient Corinth. Even though sediments have played a crucial role in protecting the artifacts, it is undoubtedly the impeccable building quality of Corinth people which made the buildings intact.
Just a few days back, a group of Italian archeologists discovered the historic resort of Baiae which perished underwater following an earthquake happened before 1700 years. Interestingly, this resort too remained intact underwater.
