Roman Corinth

This chapter gives the historical background of Corinth, its destruction by Roman forces in 146 BCE, and its establishment as a model Roman colony in 44 BCE. When Paul was there in the mid-first century it was a bustling crossroads of commerce and ideas. Archeology shows that Corinthian culture was still feeling the effects of the Roman Revolution under Augustus, which brought a distinctly Roman emphasis to all aspects of religion and society. Augustus himself had been very conscious of divine signs surrounding his elevation and rule. This had a marked effect on attitudes toward divine guidance in public worship and in household piety. In settings both public and private close observance of the religious traditions of Rome (whether or not one believed in them) was viewed as essential to Roman unity and prosperity. This piety was self-consciously Roman, emphasizing simplicity, virtue, and service to the community and state.