Historical background
In ancient Greece, Epidaurus was the main sanctuary for Asclepius, the god of medicine. According to mythology, Asclepius was born at this place. From far and wide, people came to Epidaurus to be cured of their diseases. To give Asclepius a helping hand, the sanctuary was an extensive spa, where patients could undergo all kinds of treatments under the guidance of priests and doctors.
Sights
Theatre of Epidaurus
Today, Epidaurus is especially renowned for its excellently preserved theatre, which was part of the spa. The theatre performances were not only for the entertainment of the guests, they had a therapeutic effect according to the ancient Greeks. They called this catharsis, emotional purification. Due to the various emotions that a theatre performance evokes, the spectator undergoes a purification of those emotions. A healthy mind contributes to a healthy body, is the underlying idea.
The Theatre of Epidaurus is a classical masterpiece. It is impressive how form and function come together so perfectly. The stands form a harmonious fan around the stage, nicely symmetrical and just over half a circle. The design of the upper rows of seats, which were added later, is also in balance with the whole. As for function, the acoustics of the theatre are superb, as is usually demonstrated by a tour guide. The combination of the limestone used and the spacing between the stepped rows of the stands ensures the ideal production of sound. We know this now thanks to scientific research from 2007, but apparently the Greeks it in the 4th century BC already had notion of it.
Hestiatorion
The hestiatorion is the banquet hall, where meals were eaten in a ceremonial manner. The gods ate along, by offering part of the meal to them. This was supposed to bring strength and healing to the earthly meal companions.
On the excavation site, mainly the contours of the hestiatorion are visible. The slightly higher stone walls in the middle are the remains of the Odeion, a small theatre in the banquet hall. One reconstruction stands out conspicuously above the excavations. It is a corner with two columns of the propylon, the main entrance to the hestiatorion.
Abaton / Enkoimeterion
The Abaton or Enkoimeterion is the magical place where the divine healing of the sick was supposed to happen. Patients were let in only after they had properly cleansed their minds, in sacred baths, at theatrical performances and by bringing sacrifices. In the temple, patients were put into a hypnotic sleep, in order to receive a visit from the god Asclepius in their dreams. After waking up, they told their dreams to the priests, who interpreted it to determine further treatment.
Akoai
The Akoai are Roman baths, which were fed by spring water from Mount Kynortion. The excavations are in pretty good condition. It is easy to recognize the niches of the building and there is still a piece of mosaic floor. Quite amazing that it is not shielded, you can stroll through the old bathhouse unhindered.
Propylaia
Propylaia is located serenely among the trees, at some distance from the rest of the excavations. Only the foundation of the ancient entrance gate to the sanctuary remains. It is so solid that you still get an idea of how impressive the gate must have been. There are also remains of a water well, where visitors could purify themselves immediately after passing through the gate.
Stadium
Yes, there is also a stadium in Epidaurus. With well-preserved stands. There is a hoist installation at the northern stand, with which most of the stone benches were neatly put back into place (You Go Culture has a nice photo from before the restoration). The stadium hosted athletics competitions every four years, in honour of the god Asclepius. During those games, there were also competitions in singing and drama in the theatre.
Archaeological museum
The exposition space of the on-site museum is uncomfortably narrow. When you stop for a moment to look at the exhibits, you form an obstacle to the flow of other visitors. The fully inscribed steles intrigue me the most, with their very diverse texts. On one stone is a hymn by poet Isyllos to Apollo and Asclepius. On another is the account of the cost of building the Tholos.
Practical information
- The website Argolis Culture provides practical information for a visit, such as opening hours and rates.
- The archaeological site is some 15 kilometres inland from the town of Epidaurus. That town itself also has a smaller ancient theatre, which can cause confusion.
- There is a large and free car park at the entrance to the excavation site.
Sources
Most of the information in this blog is based on two sources.
- Wikipedia in Dutch, which is actually more extensive on Epidaurus than in English.
- You Go Culture, a website of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Additional sources:
- Wikipedia on healing through dreams in ancient Greece.
- Article in Nature on scientific research into the acoustics of the Epidaurus Theatre. For the real enthusiasts, the complete research report can be read on the website of Ghent University (in Dutch!).
- Article in Cursor from TU Eindhoven, with the conclusions of extensive sound measurements at the Theatre of Epidaurus. The research refutes the overly strong stories of travel guides about the acoustics.