Byzantine times

Corinth at this time is, along with Patras and Thebes, one of the most important centers of silk weaving and weaving of silk fabrics. All the activity of these textile workshops is under the vigilant control of imperial officials and many constitute imperial (public) property.

 

In order to avoid the various barbaric invasions, the Isthmus was built with a strong wall in 546 by Justinian. Nevertheless, it was attacked many times by Slavs, Goths and Arabs.

 

The latter were exterminated in 883 AD. the admiral of the Byzantine Fleet Ooryfas who transported his entire fleet from the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Gulf via Diolkos overnight!

 

In 1147, however, the city was invaded by the Normans who kidnapped almost all of its weavers and transported them to Sicily.

 

Since then the city follows a downward course and falls into the hands of the Franks. A glimpse was the Despotate of Leo Sgouros who confronted the Franks and met a heroic death.

In 1395 it will fall to the Despotate of the Peloponnese, but in 1397 it will be sold to the Knights of St. John.