While deciding to vacation in the Peloponnese area of Greece we both wanted to see Ancient Epidaurus. Although Epidaurus is most known for its amazing theater, its development was actually for medical purposes. With Steve being a surgeon and me being a nurse this was a place we didn’t want to miss. Many scholars consider it the birthplace of modern medicine. We did our own self tour of Epidauraus. If you prefer a tour, or a day tour from Athens, check out Viator’s many tour options by clicking here.
Location
https://www.anthemion.grThe Archeology site of Ancient Epidaurus is located just over 25 km (15.5 miles) from where we stayed in Nafplio. We stayed just outside the center of Nafplio at Anthemion Suites and Villas. This is a perfect home base while in the area.
History of Medicine in Epidaurus
Greek mythology holds the belief that Epidaurus, the son of Apollo was born in this area. Asclepius is the god of medicine, the god of healing. In ancient times, many people would travel here to be healed from various ailments. Both physical and also psychological. They believed the god of medicine had divine powers to heal. In the 4th century BC the Sanctuary of Asclepius was built. This was a sacred center of healing. As a matter of fact, the temple was the most popular healing center in ancient times. With the hopes of being healed, people traveled here from all over the Mediterranean. As time passed, medicine practiced in Epidaurus evolved from faith healing to actual medical interventions. This is why it is the birthplace of modern medicine. Although simple, the knowledge and techniques practiced here became the basis for modern medicine.
Ancient Theater of Epidaurus
The Ancient Theater of Epidaurus undoubtedly stands as the premier attraction of Epidaurus. Constructed in the 4th century BC, this magnificent theater boasts a capacity of 15,000 spectators. It is an outstanding site to visit, recognized as one of the best-preserved theaters in the world. The Theater of Epidaurus is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and perfect symmetry. From every seat you can hear the performers on stage with crystal clarity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site proudly continues to host performances to this day.
Originally constructed as part of the healing center, the theater use was for performances and religious worship to the god Asclepius. Watching the performances would heal the mind and the body. The healing properties of the theater extended beyond the performances. The theater’s proximity to nature allowed for a connection between the healing arts and the natural world. It also served as a place for meditation and communal gatherings. Offering a place for a feeling of well-being.
Katagogion
Also built in the 4th century BC this building was basically a hotel. These were accommodations which were provided for the many people who came here to visit or to be healed. Also for those who accompanied them. As a matter of fact, the word katagogion means hostel. It was quite large and contained four sections which each had rooms surrounding a courtyard. There were 60 rooms in all.
Hestiatorion
This very large complex may have hosted ceremonial meals. A festival to honor Asklepios was held each year. During this festival, a large meal was prepared. Part of the meal was an offering to the god, a sacrifice. After the sacrifice, the rest of the meal was served to the people. In addition, there is also evidence this building may have housed a gymnasium.
Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods
Built in the 2nd century AD by the Romans to worship Egyptian gods such as Attis, Isis and Osiris.
Stadium
The stadium’s use was for hosting ceremonies and also athletic games. The festival honoring Asklepios was held here each year. This stadium and also the festival can be found in ancient writings as far back as the 5th century BC.
The Temple of Asklepios
This was the most holy site in the Ancient City of Epidaurus and also an important site throughout Greece. Built to honor Aslkepios the god of healing. Many stories of miracles taking place in this temple were told throughout the ancient world. Pilgrimages to this site for worshiping and healing were common.
Temple of Artemis
Sources say this temple was small yet elegant and also built in the late 4th century BC. Artemis is the god of childbirth so maybe this temple has something to do with childbirth.
Altar of Asklepios
This is where in ancient times the priest would offer the sacrifice in a ceremony.
The Stoa of Abaton
This is the place where the healing occurred. The healing god Asklepios healed patients who were prepared. How healing occurred was a mystery. To my understanding, patients would read the words written on the wall inside the stoa. Next they would then cleanse themselves with water drawn from the sacred well. Finally they would lay on the ground on the first floor and fall asleep. While sleeping they would wait for the god Asklepios to visit them in a dream. After this dream they would heal.
Museum
Epidaurus Museum has many artifacts, statues and also other items that give the visitor a good idea of Ancient Greece culture. In addition, you can read about the item and where it is from.
Conclusion
Visiting Ancient Epidaurus is a must do while in the Peloponnese area of Greece. Although on the day we were here it was very hot, we still enjoyed this massive archaeological site. Make sure when you visit to wear good sneakers as some of the paths are dirt and also have stones and rocks. Also the steps up the theater are quite uneven. We both took plenty of water as well. We did not notice anyplace to purchase food or water within the site so therefore you may want to bring your own. I do believe right before the gate there is an area where you can purchase food and also drinks.
Click on the links below to follow my 2024 Greek Travels and also my Past Greek Travels:
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2024
Ancient Mycenae Greece-August 2024
2 Weeks in Greece-Delphi, Meteora, Corfu, Santorini, Athens, Sept 2022
14 Days in Greece-Crete,Naxos, Santorini Sept 2021
10 Day Greece Itinerary-Crete, Santorini, Athens, September 2019
8 Day Greece Itinerary-Athens, Milos, Santorini, September/October 2018
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Were you and Steve “impressed” with the medical tools on display. Advances in science is amazing, and thankfully so. Sometimes I wonder with all the “advances” realized from this history and the beauty of its art, if future generations a couple of thousands of years from now will be as impressed with this century’s history.
We were impressed they survived all these years and had some fun trying to figure out what the tools were and what they were used for!
Such a spectacular place!
It truly is!!
Wow, Epidaurus is sort of like an ancient hospital and site for modern medicine! Given your medical backgrounds, I’m sure you two had a wonderful time exploring the area and learning how Epidaurus operated as a place for medicine and the techniques developed that are even used today. Thanks for sharing!
It was really fun and educational!
It seems fitting that you visited Epidaurus given your background in medicine. It’s pretty neat to hear how their practices formed the basis for modern medicine. The theatre and the ruins are pretty impressive as well.
We found this to be a fun and educational site!
There was so much more to see there than we did in 1984. We had a detailed tour of the theatre, but little else. We loved this part of Greece. Thanks for sharing Lori. Allan
This is a beautiful part of Greece and I’m sure we will return to the Peloponnese some day. They continue to work and I’m sure another few years will be even more to see! Have a great week, Allan!
Thanks for your awesome pictures. This is one place I wish to visit after I retire.
We really enjoyed it! Visited many of the sites on this trip and I’ll be getting the post out over the next few months! Hopefully we can return to the Epidaurus area some day!
Thanks for this post. I had never heard of this fascinating place.
We absolutely loved it!!
I image “humors” meant something else entirely in that venue. Maybe some of those instruments were related to humoral theory?
Could be!
It’s amazing to see how well-preserved the ancient theatre of Epidaurus is, especially given how long ago it was built! I love how the theatre is surrounded by lush greenery, and I am in awe of its architectural symmetry. I can only imagine the great acoustics such places have – you could probably hear the sound of a pin dropping. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
This is a very stunning theatre. I lived we could walk around in it!! Lori
🥰🥰🥰
Very cool! Thanks!
Glad you liked it!