Description of the attraction
Around the 7th-6th century BC. On the territory of Ancient Greece, the cult of the god of healing Asclepius, born to the mortal son of Apollo and who received immortality for his exceptional skill, arose. All the ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius (about 300 are known in total) were called "Asclepions", and they were not only cult buildings, but also medical centers that played an important role in the accumulation and systematization of knowledge about medicine, which of course had a beneficial effect on it. development. The Asklepions also taught the art of healing to future healers.
One of the largest and most interesting asklepions is the relatively well-preserved Asclepius sanctuary on the island of Kos, discovered by archaeologists at the beginning of the 20th century. The famous Asklepion is located just 4 km from the administrative center of the island of the same name, the city of Kos, on a picturesque hill and surrounded by a dense spruce forest. Today it is one of the main attractions of the island, as well as an important historical and architectural monument.
The sanctuary was built in the 4th century BC. and was a whole complex of structures in the form of terraces, located on the slopes of the hill. The lower level once housed the Faculty of Medicine, a specially designated place for gifts, the so-called "waiting rooms", etc. On the second level, there were various temples (including the Temple of Apollo), as well as baths with healing "red water", where hydrotherapy sessions were held. The Temple of Asclepius was located on the third level and only a select few were allowed access to it. According to an ancient legend, one of the most famous and outstanding people in the history of medicine, the legendary ancient Greek physician and "father of medicine" Hippocrates, studied in Asklepion Kos.
