Hello, my friend!
It is my pleasure to introduce you to Korinth's
Temple of Aphrodite!
Why, I'm , of course!
One of the most successful merchants in all
of Greece.
You really haven't heard of me?
My name is known from Kephallonia to Kos!
If you've ever paid money for something, I
probably received a percentage.
But enough about me.
Let's go back to what you're doing here.
It really is a lovely sight, isn't it?
The temple, that is.
Not the ladies.
Although they are also lovely.
Lovely, and lively, and...
I'm sorry, what were we talking about?
In Greece, many love stories were told about
the gods.
How romantic!
Sometimes they were heartwarming and happy,
but they often ended in tears, tragedy, and
a whole brood of illegitimate children.
[&laughs]I'm looking at you, Zeus!
Anyway, this tour will introduce you to some
of these divine love stories, which may give
you perspective on how the Greeks approached
love in their own lives.
Enjoy your visit, my friend!
I'll come see you again when you finish the
tour.
Much like Athens, Korinth had its own akropolis,
called the Akrokorinth.
The natural promontory provided an excellent
view of the surrounding territory.
It was also the home of several sanctuaries,
allegedly constructed in the 6th century BCE.
The Akrokorinth's most famous attraction was
the Temple of Aphrodite.
Pausanias describes it as having statues of
Aphrodite, her son Eros, and the sun god Helios.
According to Strabo, the temple's most distinguishing
feature was its servants, who acted as "sacred
prostitutes".
However, Strabo is the only source for this
information, and it is still hotly debated
to this day.
Love played a large role in countless mythological
stories.
Zeus himself was not immune to the feeling,
and fell for both mortals and other deities.
Some myths centered on forbidden feelings
that led to tragedy, such as Phaedra's love
for her stepson Hippolytos.
While marriage was prominent in mythology,
it was usually presented as problematic.
For example, Aphrodite frequently cheated
on her husband Hephaistos, and Medea's resentment
against her ex-husband Jason eventually drove
her mad enough to murder her children.
These less than ideal depictions reflected
the Greeks's idea of marriage, which they
viewed as a civic duty instead of a romantic
union.
The goddess Aphrodite was one of the mightiest
Olympians, and was typically associated with
love, beauty, and sex.
She was worshipped all across the Ancient
Mediterranean by men and women, both young
and old.
Her origins differ depending on the version
of the story.
The poet Hesiod says that she was born from
the severed genitals of Ouranos, while Homer's
version of the myth names her as the daughter
of Zeus and Dione.
Aphrodite appeared regularly in mythological
stories, and had many mortal lovers.
Her favorite was Adonis, a beautiful boy who
died tragically in a hunting accident.
Aphrodite was devastated by his death, so
she created a cult called the Adonia to commemorate
him.
My friend, good to see you again.
I bet you were surprised by some of the stories
you heard.
For a bunch of immortal beings, the gods certainly
were saucy, ah?
Tell me if there's anything else I can do
for you.
Is that so, my friend?
Then let's get started.
Which poet said that Aphrodite was the daughter
of Zeus and Dione?
I'm afraid Phidias was a sculptor.
Try again!
[&laughs]Ahhh!
I am exceedingly flattered that you think
I'm a poet.
Unfortunately, I am a mere brilliant, but
misunderstood businessman.
Keep trying, though!
Hesiod's version of the story said Aphrodite
was the product of Ouranous's... chopped olives,
so to speak.
So, no.
Yes!
It was Homer who said Aphrodite was a child
of Zeus.
On to the next question!
Medea was married to which legendary hero?
Pelops was a one-woman kind of man, but that
woman was Hippodameia, not Medea.
Keep trying.
Depending on the story, Herakles married many
women, but none of them were Medea.
Try another answer.
Medea was married to which legendary hero?
Odysseus was married to Penelope!
Try again.
Yes!
Medea was married to Jason, but after he left
her for someone else, she resented him so
much she murdered their children.
But let's not talk about such depressing things.
Instead, you can answer this last question.
What was the name of Korinth's akropolis?
The akropolis is indeed a big rock, but it
was not called the "Great Rock".
Try again.
Ha!
That's what I would have called it.
Unfortunately, it's not the akropolis's actual
name.
No, although now that I hear it, I must admit
that "Akropolinth" really rolls off the tongue.
Correct!
The Akrokorinth has been home to many sanctuaries,
as well as the famous Temple of Aphrodite.
You passed the test.
Congratulations, my intelligent friend!
Normally I don't let people go until they
buy a souvenir, but for you, my friend, I'll
make an exception!
