Epidaurus in Peloponnese, Greece was my inspiration in deciding I would like to study historic healing places. At Epidaurus, there is an Asclepieon or center for healing which is really an archeological site of ruins or monuments. This site originates in 375 BC, and represents well an ancient healing center of its time. This site is most known for it’s large theater with “perfect” acoustics. It struck me how far we have really come; from praying to cult Gods and conducting healing ceremonies to where we are today w/ anesthesia, modern medical practices, vaccines/antibiotics, and abundant technology to assist in care of patients. The Sanctuary or site includes facilities that are for healing rituals, baths, sports, housing, hospital and theater.
The process that a patient would go on is as follows: First, they would to purify themselves in cleansing baths, then they’d make an animal sacrifice and share a meal with the gods, and finally they’d sleep in the temple so that the god Asclepios (sometimes a snake who represented the god) would visit them in their dreams and reveal their cure to them. Caregivers would also perform surgeries, and provide remedies/drugs to their patients. After, visitors would gather together in the theater to attend performances to prepare their souls for healing.
It was said that after a night of dreaming in the temple for one’s cure, the patient would awake knowing if they should go to the gym and exercise, or go to obtain surgical or pharmaceutical help.
The site was in use until 426 CE when a Roman Emperor closed it, and it remained unused for 1,450 years until it was excavated in 1881. Since that time, the theater has remained in use for performances and it is one of the best-preserved theaters of ancient Greece.
Its amazing a place like this exists today that can reveal so much to us about the past and the emergence of scientific medicine. The site is immersed within a beautiful, natural setting and the UNESCO world heritage site at the archeological park is taken care of and relates well the history of the place to enrich and educate visitors.
