Cenchrea, Cenchreae

Cenchrea was a seaport about 12.9 kilometers (eight miles) east of Corinth. It served the shipping needs of that larger city.

Historical records mention Cenchrea as early as the fifth century BC, when Athens attacked Corinth. Before the Corinthian Canal was built across the narrow strip of land, goods and travelers often passed from Cenchrea through Corinth to Lechaion on their way from Asia to Europe.

Excavations began in 1963. Archaeologists found the harbor breakwater, the remains of warehouses from the early first century, and a large stone building from the second century.

A church from the fourth century shows that Christianity had become influential in the city. Parts of the ancient road from the Cenchrean Gate in Corinth can still be seen among the ruins of the city’s agora, or marketplace.

The New Testament mentions Cenchrea twice. The apostle Paul took an oath requiring the cutting of his hair before leaving Cenchrea during his third missionary journey (Acts 18:18). In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul commended Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchrea. Phoebe was well-known for her Christian service (Romans 16:1).