Observations on IG IV2 3 1803: the term Hellas and the Isthmus of Corinth

The famous inscription of Victorinus from the Isthmus of Corinth (IG IV2 3 1803) was found during a large excavation carried out in 1883 by Paul Monceaux at the South Gate of the Hexamilion, a 7,600 meter long wall across the Isthmus probably built during the reign of Theodosius II (408–450 AD) in order to preserve the Peloponnese from invasions. It records the restoration works at the fortification on the Isthmus carried out by the emperor Justinian (cf. also Prokop. aed. 4.2.27–28). The inscription, probably inserted in the fortification wall, had already been found in the late Byzantine age during the restoration works carried out by Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos (1391–1425 AD). IG IV2 3 1803, placed at the heart of the Hellas/Achaia province, as portrayed in the Synecdemus, in a symbolically and strategically important place as the Isthmus, and whose dating could be restricted, according to most scholars, to years 548–554 AD, invokes the protection of God for the emperor, his faithful servant Victorinus and all those who live in Hellas (l. 7). This contribution aims to reflect on the possible value and meaning of the use of the term Hellas in the inscription not only in the context of Justinian’s age but especially in relation to its position on the Isthmus of Corinth.