The Ancients are not forgotten in Corinth

Dear Reader, the outside world seems to continue on its alarming road to self-destruction but, I have to admit, I've had an exciting and at times wonderful few months.  I managed to get both Books 1 and 2 published as e-books on Kindle in early May. Then the rest of May and most of June were spent in Greece with a complex agenda including a family wedding and visits to locations that come into An Ancient Connection. The former was deep in the Mani countryside, the latter around Corinth and the Peloponnese, some of which I have visited before and posted about.

As you may know, the ancient city of Corinth (Korinthos) was a short distance inland on its plain, linked to its two ports of Lechaion to the north on the Gulf of Corinth, and Kenchreai to the south on the Saronic Gulf, by a network of roads. It was much changed by the Romans. Its acropolis, Akrokorinthos, on the high, rocky hill further back from the coast, was always a strong natural fortress. It dominates the skyline and, throughout its history, often contained a small town within its walls. At its highest point, a famous temple to Aphrodite was built in 5th century BCE, now utterly ruined and almost invisible.                                                                                                            

View from the entrance gate to the fortress of Akrokorinthos.

Remains of the Temple to Aphrodite

Modern Corinth is on the sea a little to the east of ancient Lechaion. It has been badly damaged by earthquakes, particularly in the last couple of centuries and has been rebuilt many times. But the Ancients are not forgotten. Pegasus flies above the wide square between the pedestrian shopping area and the wharfs. Aphrodite patrols a broad street of cafes and eateries. Heracles rests after his labours in a seaside carpark. 

As for the actual book in which these places feature, I’m revising the text ready for readers to comment. 

I have also started to send out press releases and put posts on my social media platforms. I find I need to discipline myself to spending just one hour per working day on this. Longer, and the writing doesn't get done!

The paperbacks of Books 1 and 2 are now available for order from all good bookshops, while e-books and paperbacks are available from Amazon. However, at present, Amazon is selling-off very cheaply a previous print edition (The Boy in Two Heads as opposed to The Boy in Two Minds) with the old cover. Getting it withdrawn seems to be impossible, so a buyer who wants paperbacks that look like a set would do better to obtain them from elsewhere. There is no problem with Amazon’s e-books. 

But it's summer!! And with swathes of colourful flowers and wide clear views, friends to meet, and/or walks to take in the long evenings after a day at my desk, it's the very best time of year for me!

     

I hope it is for you, too, dear reader, however much we fear for the future in so many ways.

All photographs © Julia M Newsome unless otherwise credited.