[1]
Geographical factors are crucial in the development of a city. This was particularly so in ancient times. Travel by land was 31 difficult,and cities flourished where water transportation was readily available. The classical Greek city of Corinth, for example, owed its prominence to geographical elements. A 32 good water supply, mountains protecting it from potentially hostile neighbors,and most important it's 33 location on a isthmus. 34
[2]
The isthmus of Corinth, is 35 a narrow neck of land connecting the Peloponnisos, the southernmost region Of Greece, to the northern regions. Passage east or west across the isthmus would save mariners over 200 miles, for they could long 36 avoid the route around the Peloponnisos.
[3]
Enterprising Corinthians searched for a way to exploit the strategic location of their city. They attempted to build a canal, but had neither the technology nor ultimately the patience to cut through four miles of rocky terrain. They do have, 37 however, the ingenuity to devise another plan, one that might at first have seemed highly improbable. Ships arriving at Corinth were placed on rollers then 38 teams of workers dragged the ships by rope along a stone carriageway across the four-mile-wide isthmus.
[4]
While their ship was being transported, the captain and his crew were able to enjoy a pleasant respite from their travels. Commerce and the collection of fees and taxes enriched the Corinthians, who soon became known for their luxurious standard of living. The city grew to be prosperous trade center and rivaled Athens and Sparta for power in classical times.
[5]
Destroyed in 146 B.C., Corinth was rebuilt a century later as a Roman colony by Julius Caesar. 39
Because of this, ships only pass through, Corinth is still a busily traveled port, although now the ships do not stop over. 40 This canal is more practical, and it is near the Greek theater of Epidarus, 41 but one's 42 imagination cannot help but be stirred by their 43 image of ancient Corinth, filled with captains trading stories while their wooden ships rolled heavily between seas.