Medical Performance in the Asklepieion of Epidaurus

Abstract

During ancient times, when there was nothing else available for a physician or a doctor in order to heal the patient and when there was no hope left, the last available option was the Asklepieion. The sanctuary dedicated to the god Asklepius was a place of healing where patients could pray, offer sacrifices to the gods and perform the healing ritual 'enkoimesis', through which the god healed the sick. In addition to ritual and religious practices, evidence such as surgical instruments have been found at Asklepieion, proving that medical and surgical practices also took place there. This article examines ritual and medical practices and the places where they may have taken place within the Asklepieion.