Asclepios, a mortal hero and son of Apollo, who had powers of healing, is known from as early on as Homer’s writings. His status was elevated to that of divine healer in the 5th century BC, at a time when medicine was being developed and practised by professional doctors who regarded Asclepios as their patron. His earliest sanctuary is thought to have been situated at Trikke, in Thessaly. However, the Asclepieion at Epidaurus was his most important cult centre with pan-Hellenic influence; it certainly played a definitive role in the spread of his worship throughout the Hellenic world. The gallery talk ‘Asclepieion: A sacred healing centre’ starts on the occasion of International Museum Day 2010.

Information

Start date: Tuesday 18 May 2010

Greek: every Friday, 6 p.m.

English: every Friday, 5:15 p.m.

Duration: 50 minutes

Participation:  Limited to 40 visitors per session. For registration, please refer to the Information Desk at the Museum entrance on the same day. The gallery talk is free of charge. Only the admission fee to the permanent exhibition is required. First-in first-served. 

Meeting point: Information Desk

Έντυπο