This is the most exciting piece of pavement I've ever seen.
We found it just to the side of the theatre in ancient Corinth. Made with limestone from Acrocorinth and once filled with bronze, it reads 'Erastus in return for his aedileship laid [the pavement] at his own expense'. An aedile was an elected public official responsible for the management of the public streets, market places and buildings. It would seem that Erastus had made paying for the pavement part of his election pledge; the inscription is his public proclamation that he has kept his promise.
But there are two other interesting things about Erastus. First it seems from his name that Erastus was a freedman, that is, a former slave. This is not surprising in a city which was founded with many freedmen among its number but it is an important hint as to the social fluidity of Corinth, where a former slave could reach significant public office.
Second it is at least possible - some say probable - that the Erastus here is the same as one mentioned by Paul in Romans 16:23 (there is he described as the 'city's director of public works'). Perhaps Erastus became a Christian under Paul's ministry. He wouldn't have been the only prominent person to have done so.
A fascinating possibility; one day we'll know for sure.
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