Corinth, Isthmus of

Neck of land joining the Peloponnese to central Greece, lying between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf. The isthmus is about 32 km/20 mi long and 6-12 km/4-7 mi wide. A ship canal through the isthmus was constructed between 1881 and 1883. The towns of Isthmia and Posidonia are situated at the southeast and northwest ends of the canal.

The canal is 7 km/4 mi in length, 21 m/69 ft in width, and has a minimum depth of 8 m/26 ft. The site of ancient Isthmia lies near the southern end of the canal, south of modern Isthmia. There is an archaeological museum there, and remains of the Isthmian city walls.

Ancient Isthmia was the site of a sanctuary of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and games were held there as one of the four Panhellinic festivals. The games are reputed to have been instituted by Sisyphus, and took place every two years. While they were being held a period of truce, known as the ‘Isthmian libations’, was observed between the competing cities. The games resembled the Olympics, and included such sporting contests as javelin, pentathlon, horse racing, jumping, foot racing, and chariot races. After the 5th century BC, contests in music and recitation and painting were added.