Cenchreae

SEN-kree-ee · Modern Kechries (Kenchreai), Greece

Cenchreae is a city of the biblical world, known today as Kechries (Kenchreai), Greece.

What is known

Where Paul had his hair cut in fulfillment of a vow before sailing for Syria (Acts 18:18)
Home church of Phoebe, a deacon Paul commends to the Roman church (Romans 16:1-2)

History

Founded: Corinth's eastern port on the Saronic Gulf
Population: Estimated 500–1,500 residents in the 1st century AD — Corinth's eastern port on the Saronic Gulf
Industry: Maritime trade — Corinth's gateway to the eastern Mediterranean
Coordinates: 37.8850° N, 22.9875° E

Archaeology

Excavations uncovered a Sanctuary of Isis and remains identified with a Temple of Aphrodite at the harbor's southwest side, warehouses, and an Early Christian basilica. Over 100 fourth-century glass opus sectile panels were found still packed in their original wooden shipping crates, submerged after an earthquake around AD 375. Coastal subsidence has left much of the ancient harbor underwater today.

Remains of the sanctuary complex at the southwest side of the ancient harbor at Kenchreai — source & licence

A monumental Roman tomb at Kenchreai — source & licence

Scripture references

Acts 18:18
Romans 16:1-2

On a modern map

Cenchreae today

More places

Capstone Bible is a free interactive study app — a map of every place in this library, a zoomable timeline of biblical and church history, the Bible text with every name in it linked to its article, reading plans and personal notes.

Open Capstone Bible