Corinth’s greatest treasure

In the first of a two-part piece, Richard Hodges visits Corinth for a conversation with its legendary excavator Charles K Williams.
November 19, 2025
Corinth in the spring is bursting with exultant acres of wild yellow mustard. Not by chance, the air is intoxicating with enriching scents. Swallows, who have just arrived, sense it and dip and weave through the ancient ruins and knee-high grass. Anticipation is in the air, too, as the tourist year is getting started. Lumbering buses are inching like leviathans into the village next to the excavations, many bringing pilgrims to visit where Paul preached to the Corinthians. This year has brought a special excitement. Hollywood has landed here. Christopher Nolan was filming at Acrocorinth, the Frankish castle that high above on its rocky eyrie dominates the ancient town. Notices invited locals

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