The Sanctuary and Museum of Asklepios
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus was one of the most famous healing centers in the Greek world. Asklepios, son of Apollo and god of medicine, was worshipped in the beautiful temple at Epidaurus (like much of the sanctuary, undergoing restoration) by cure seekers who were housed in an enormous guesthouse, the Kategogeion. They were treated in the Abaton, where Asklepius came to them in drug-induced dreams and dispensed advice on cures. The round Tholos appears to have housed healing serpents, which could allegedly cure ailments with a flicker of the tongue over an afflicted body part; it’s believed the snakes lived in the labyrinth-like inner foundations. The Excavation Museum helps put some flesh on the bones of the confusing remains with an extensive collection of architectural fragments from the sanctuary, including lovely acanthus flowers from the mysterious tholos. Assorted terra-cotta body parts were votive offerings that show precisely which part of the anatomy needed to cured; a display of surgical implements will make you grateful that you didn’t have to go under the knife in ancient times—although hundreds of inscriptions record the gratitude of satisfied patients.
The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus was one of the most famous healing centers in the Greek world. Asklepios, son of Apollo and god of medicine, was worshipped in the beautiful temple at Epidaurus (like much of the sanctuary, undergoing restoration) by cure seekers who were housed in an enormous guesthouse, the Kategogeion. They were treated in the Abaton, where Asklepius came to them in drug-induced dreams and dispensed advice on cures. The round Tholos appears to have housed healing serpents, which could allegedly cure ailments with a flicker of the tongue over an afflicted body part; it’s believed the snakes lived in the labyrinth-like inner foundations. The Excavation Museum helps put some flesh on the bones of the confusing remains with an extensive collection of architectural fragments from the sanctuary, including lovely acanthus flowers from the mysterious tholos. Assorted terra-cotta body parts were votive offerings that show precisely which part of the anatomy needed to cured; a display of surgical implements will make you grateful that you didn’t have to go under the knife in ancient times—although hundreds of inscriptions record the gratitude of satisfied patients.
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