Ancient Corinth, Greece

In collaboration with the American School of Classical Studies at Athens and the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, CyArk documented the mythical Peirene Fountain and the Temple of Apollo in the city of Ancient Corinth, Greece. Survey of the extant structures  was conducted primarily with LiDAR and both terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry. The surviving frescoes within the Peirene Fountain were surveyed with an Artec scanner, which measures the 3D shape of a surface using pulsating light and a camera system. CyArk’s digital documentation of the temple and fountain provided the ASCSA with accurate and precise data on the current state of preservation for both architectural complexes. In particular, it was important to record Peirene which is currently closed to the public due to concerns surrounding its preservation.  This work was made possible through the generous support of the Macricostas Family Foundation.

According to Ancient Greek geographer Pausanias (c.110-180 CE), after one of her children was killed by Artemis, the nymph Peirene was struck by a grief so profound that she turned into tears and became a spring. Hence the grotto that was turned into a fountain, located in the center of Ancient Corinth, was known as Peirene. But the myths surrounding the ancient fountain do not end here. Bellerophon, the famous ancient hero who defeated the Chimera, was said to have been born in Corinth. Bellerophon tamed Pegasus after Pegasus drank from the waters of Peirene. In celebration of its legendary origins and importance, the fountain was continuously elaborated through time. The most prominent architectural features at the site today are the later Roman modifications of the 3rd century CE. It was during this time when the fountain was decorated with vibrant frescoes depicting ocean creatures like fish, shrimp, and lobsters. These frescoes have only survived at the very heart of the fountain within the grotto.