Attractions and Places To See in Προφήτης Ηλίας - Κυνόρτιο Όρος Δήμου Ασκληπιείου - Top 7

The temple of the famous Asclepius stood here.

Exceptional site very well preserved with sound that you will not find elsewhere

In Epidauros itself there was first a place for the worship of Apollon, more precisely Apollon Maleatas. Since the 5th century BC BC, however, Asklepios joined his mythological father of the gods, Apollo. Although Apollo continued to be worshiped in his own temple, the healing god Asklepios increasingly lured pilgrims and those seeking healing to Epidaurus, where a specially designed pilgrimage path was uncovered. According to a Greek myth, Asklepios was born here. However, there were other sites that claimed this fame, often with older claims, such as Trikka in Thessaly. The rise of the Asklepios cult is probably mainly related to the plague epidemic in Athens and the founding of the local Asklepios sanctuary at the foot of the Acropolis. Since the Epidaurians knew how to praise their place as the birthplace of the god, this developed in the 5th, but at the latest in the 4th century BC. to the most important sanctuary of this god and became very rich. This can be seen above all in the brisk building activity taking place at this time. Due to the increased importance, Epidaurian daughter shrines arose in numerous places in the ancient world, for example in Athens, in Pergamon or in Rome.

The first traces of human settlement in the area of Epidaurus have been dated to the 3rd millennium BC. Proven on a hill about 2 km away from the later cult area, part of Mount Kynortion. In the 7th century B.C. The first place of worship arose here, the remains of which could be discovered on the basis of an ash altar (= piled up ash remains of the offerings). The god Apollon Maleatas was worshiped here, for whom a small, simple temple was built, which was later expanded to include a stoa. In Roman times, this complex was supplemented by a cistern, a well and a building with a courtyard. It is surprising that this site was in use until the 5th century AD, although the worship of Maleatas had already been adopted around a millennium earlier in the plain of nearby Epidauros by identifying Asklepios with this god.

In 1905-1907 a small museum was set up on the sanctuary site, in which statuettes, small ceramic and marble cult figures, some statues of worshiped gods, a model of tholos and other objects found during the excavations are on display were found.

The largest and best preserved structure of Epidaurus is the great theater built into a hillside overlooking the Argolis mountains. It dates from the 4th century BC. (~ 330 BC), i.e. from the late classical period and, according to Pausanias, is said to be the work of a Polycletus. Especially the large, semi-circular spectator stand (koilon), which was rebuilt around 170/160 BC. Chr. offers space for up to 14,000 people, also impresses today's visitors. The round orchestra, the venue for the choir in classical ancient drama, was closed off at the back by a mighty stage house (skene), of which only the foundations have survived today. The skene once served as a changing room, for storing important theater props and - after a change in performance practice at the beginning of the 3rd century B.C. BC – also as a performance and performance location for the actors. The stage wall was either painted with pictures or hung with panels, which made it possible to create theatrical scenery for the respective play.

The main temple of the Asclepiean games (Asclepiea), which were conducted in Epidaurus in honor of the hero-doctor Asclepius, the son of Apollo, in the sanctuary dedicated to both father and son. The Asclepiea, already active since the beginning of the 5th century BC, took place every four years, nine days after the Isthmia and lasted from June to July. During the Roman years, the games were called Great Asclepiea in order to be distinguished from the Apolloneia, an annual celebration that took place during the same time. Naked races were performed during the games (stade, diaulos, hippios or four-stade race, hoplite race), jumping, discus-throwing, javelin, boxing, pankration and the equestrian contests, chariot races and finally music, singing and drama competitions. The first day began with a sacrifice to Asclepius and Apollo, which was followed by a banquet with the participation of the believers. The contests began the following day. Http://fhw.gr/olympics/ancient/en/otherg_asklip.html

The ceremonial gymnasium of the ancient games