| Memories
of a pilgrimage to Epidaurus, Greece [Double click photo to enlarge] |
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 In Greek mythology, Asklepios is the god of healing. He was the son of Apollo and a mortal woman named Coronis, rescued from infanticide by Hermes. He is known Asklepios in Roman myth. |
 Epidaurus contains His Sanctuary, Abatons (dream houses), baths, and an amphitheater. This theater is one of the three great theaters still remaining functional in the ancient world. It seats 25,000 people. Modern Epidaurus also has a museum to the God and his healing. |
 The entrance to the amphitheater still stands. The theater and sanctuary was visited by Socrates, Hippocrates, and Sophocles, to name just a few. Even Galan praised the dream work taken from Asklepios. |
 As an infant, Asklepios was sent to live with the wise centaur Chiron, who taught Asklepios the art of healing. His sanctuary became the most influential healing centre of the ancient world beginning in the 6th century BCE. |
 The Sanctuary consisted of many dream-rooms of which only these ruins remain. Within these rooms patients would often become cured by means of their dreams. |
 The Baths, the Palaestra, etc, lie in total ruin since Constantine destroyed pagan temples in the 3rd century CE. |
 After asking for favors from Asklepios it is recommended that offerings be left at the altar. |
 Testimonials were carved and visible around the grounds so would-be patients could read them. |
 The god also had a daughter - Hygeia, the goddess who personified health, in mythology and art. Some of the art is to be found in the museum at Epidaurus. |
