In antiquity, the eastern Korinthia was an important crossroads of the Mediterranean, uniquely situated to control passage by land and sea at the narrow Isthmus; a source of raw materials and manufactured goods exported throughout the Mediterranean; and a rich agricultural region. Despite more than 100 years of excavation and exploration in the territory of the ancient Korinthia, many basic historical questions remain unanswered. The Eastern Korinthia Archaeological Survey (EKAS) is a physical and social-cultural landscape study that seeks to elucidate the ways in which the region interacted: a) as a self-contained political and economic unit; b) as part of a larger region with Korinth as its center; and c) as part of pan-Mediterranean political and economic systems.

The EKAS study area comprises 200 square kilometers east of ancient Korinth, incorporating plains, uplands, and shorelines on the Korinthian and Saronic Gulfs. In 1997 and 1998, a geomorphological study and a comprehensive GIS were completed, permitting predictive modeling and assisting in sampling strategies. With these components in place, pedestrian survey in both intensive and extensive modes was begun in 1999 and will continue through 2001. In 1999 and 2000, survey was concentrated in the low-lying northern plain between Isthmia and Hexamilia; in 2000, attention was directed to the Saronic port at Kenchreai and upland locations in Mt. Oneion.

This report outlines our results to date and emphasizes EKAS’ significant theoretical and methodological contributions to landscape archaeology.