GULF OF CORINTH (gulf in Achaea)
Gulf of the Ionian Sea, separating Peloponnese from Central Greece
- Kind of place
- Gulf
- Region
- Achaea
- Where
- 38.20° N, 22.50° E
The shores on both sides of the gulf contract and incline toward each other. Strabo 8.2.3 The Corinthian Gulf is curved and forms the Diolcus passage. Strabo 8.6.22 The towns of Pagae and Oenoa are located in the most retired part of the gulf. Strabo 9.2.25
Described in the sources
The river Achelous empties its waters into the gulf. Strabo 10.2.1 +1 The promontory Araxus marks the northern end of the Elis coast near the gulf. Strabo 8.2.2 +1 Some writers consider the mouth of the Achelous to be the gulf's starting point. Strabo 10.2.1 +1 The Gulf of Corinth is located between the Peloponnese and the mainland of Central Greece. Strabo 8.1.1 +1 The Sea of Sicily fills the Gulf of Corinth. Strabo 2.5.20 The promontory Olmiae forms the Corinthian Gulf. Strabo 8.6.22 The gulf determines the shape of the Peloponnese. Strabo 8.1.1 The promontory Rhion faces the gulf from the opposite side. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.3 ¶1 The Aetoli occupy the land next, reaching to Cape Antirrhium. Strabo 8.2.3 The gulf's mouth is located off the promontory of Antirrhium. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.3 ¶1
Stories and history
The gulf is less than one mile wide at its narrowest point. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 4.3 ¶1 Engineers measured the water level here to advise against cutting the Isthmus of Corinth. Strabo 1.3.11