Asklepieion

Asklepieion

Asklepieion, named after the healing god Asclepius, the Asclepion of Pergamum is a sacred site that existed as early as the 4th century BC. According to the Greek myths, Asclepius learnt the art of healing from both his father Apollo and the centaur Cheiron. In time, he became so skilled in surgery and the use of drugs that he was revered as the founder of medicine. A major sanctuary was dedicated to him at Epidaurus, the place where he was born.

In time, Asclepion of Pergamon became one of the most famous ancient healing centers and the world’s first psychiatric hospitals. Located in Bergama, a city in Aegean Turkey, known for its interesting archaeological ruins from the ancient Roman city of Pergamon this ancient place is still beautiful and well-worth a visit.

Unlike today’s modern hospitals, people were more than eager to get to the Asclepion.  Asclepion (Asklepieion) was a mixture between a sanctuary and modern spa. It had facilities where the sick could relax and enjoy themselves such as a library and a small theatre.

Practiced therapy was based on both psychological and physical treatments.Patients enjoyed mud baths, music concerts, and were given doses of water from the sacred fountain. Later it was discovered that this sacred source of water had radioactive properties. Hours of therapy also probed the meaning of the previous night’s dreams, as patients believed dreams recounted a visit by the god Asclepios, who held the key to curing illness.

Inside the temple there was an underground passage. Patients went down a short flight of steps into a tunnel. Cubicles were located at the sides of the passage. Here, patients spent the night there to then tell their dreams to the priests/doctors to facilitate the diagnosis of their disease. In the morning the patients ascended to the temple which had a circular shape so that they could walk in a never ending procession.