Digital Objects

Cos, Greece

A sacred center dedicated to Asclepius was also established in the island of Cos. The Asclepieion of Cos was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century by the German archaeologist R. Herzog. It was founded in the late 4th century BC, when there was just a shrine dedicated to Apollo and an altar dedicated to Asclepius. The Asclepieion was built around that altar during the Hellenistic era in two phases: the first during the 1st half of the 3rd century BC and the second during the first half of the 2nd century BC. Due to the slopping land, Asclepieion of Cos spreads on four levels: the basis and three large terraces communicating through stairs. During the first phase, the sanctuary had three levels: the basis and two terraces. The altar of Asclepius was located in the center of the second terrace, which at that time was the highest one. At the beginning of the 2nd century BC, the Hippocartic medical school that originated from Cos and the economic prosperity of the island dictated an enlargement and transformation of the Asclepieion. During the second phase, the sanctuary became a Hellenistic monument with construction of levels, impressive stairs and colonnades. It was spread in three successive terraces and was comprised by stoa, temples, altarls, tholo and various small buildings bor ceremonial procedures. The temple of Asclepius was built on the third terrace, while the altar was rebuilt with influences from the famous altar of Zeus in Pergamum. The Asclepieion of Cos became renowned for the special medical practices applied there and the innovative thrapeutic methods.

Photo taken by Niki Papavramidou in 2011