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