The Greek Cult of The Nymphs at Corinth

by Theodora Kopestonsky

Hesperia, Volume 85, Issue 4
Page(s): 711-777
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2972/hesperia.85.4.0711
Year: 2016
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ABSTRACT:

Although the nymphs are associated with water, trees, and mountains in literature, most archaeological evidence for their cult practice is at extramural caves. At Corinth, however, the Greek cult of the nymphs seems to be focused at water sources within or near the city itself. Using architecture, figurine and pottery assemblages, as well as the configuration of the landscape itself from Kokkinovrysi, the Sacred Spring, Peirene Fountain, and the Peribolos of Apollo, this article shows that the nymphs were an important and visible part of the religious lives of the ancient Corinthians from the Archaic to the Early Hellenistic periods.