CORINTH, ISTHMUS OF, in Greece, dividing the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf. Ships were dragged across it in ancient times. Nero, in A.D. began a canal through it. A ship canal begun in 1881 was opened in 1893 with its western entrance about 1 4 m. N.E. of New Corinth. It is about 4 m. long, 7o f t. broad, and 26 ft. deep. It shortens the journey from the Adriatic to the Peiraeus by 2o2 m., for such vessels as can navigate it. Traces of an ancient wall may still be seen parallel to the canal. Just to the south of it lies the fortified sanctuary of Poseidon, where the Isthmian games were celebrated.