Epidavrus

Today we visited the ancient theatre of Epidavrus. This will be our third visit over the last 40 years - and it still takes my breath away. Most people visit to witness the amazing acoustics but the ancient site meant much more to the ancient Greeks. It was part of a vast healing sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. In ancient times, people from all over Greece travelled here seeking cures for their ailments. The sanctuary included temples, baths, dormitories for “dream healing,” and spaces for exercise and rest — all based on the belief that good health required balance of body and spirit.

The magnificent theatre, famous for its perfect acoustics, was built as part of this sanctuary. Performances weren’t just entertainment — they were seen as a form of therapy, uplifting the soul as part of the healing process.

Epidaurus also connects to the Hippocratic Oath, as Hippocrates and his followers drew inspiration from Asclepius’ cult. The oath itself begins by swearing to “Apollo the physician and Asclepius,” linking modern medicine’s ethical roots directly to this sacred healing site.Baca lagi