Asclepion

Ephesus

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A side road called Sacred St running along the western edge of the Upper Agora led to the Asclepion, the medical centre of Ephesus. Protected by the god Asclepius and his daughter Hygieia, doctors used the Rod of Asclepius snake symbol to indicate their presence; look nearby for the block of marble with such a symbol as well as a pharmaceutical cup.

The serpent was used as a medical symbol because of the snake’s ability to shed its skin and renew itself. At the same time the ancients also knew that snake venom had curative powers. Ephesus was famous for its medical school.

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Nearby Ephesus attractions

1. Temple of Domitian

0.02 MILES

This ruined temple recalls Domitian (r AD 81–96), the tyrant as evil as Nero who banished St John to Patmos (where the evangelist wrote the Book of…

2. Pollio Fountain

0.03 MILES

Backing onto the Upper Agora, this fountain honouring the builder of a nearby aqueduct hints at the lavish nature of ancient Ephesus' fountains, most of…

3. Temple of Isis

0.04 MILES

Objects discovered in this small temple in the Upper Agora suggested that it was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis.

4. Upper Agora

0.06 MILES

This large square measuring 58m by 170m, and used for legislation and local political talk, was flanked by grand columns and filled with polished marble…

5. Memmius Monument

0.07 MILES

This monument from the 1st century AD is dedicated to Caius Memmius, nephew of the dictator Sulla who sacked Ephesus in 84 BC. Pillars with dancing…

6. Hydreion

0.08 MILES

This rectangular fountain with four columns sits next to the Memmius Monument.

7. Prytaneum

0.08 MILES

Two of six original Doric columns mark the entrance to the ruined Prytaneum, one of the most important civic structures in Ephesus. Within and dedicated…

8. Temple of Hestia

0.08 MILES

The Prytaneum hosted this shrine, where the city's eternal flame was tended by vestal virgins, and was fronted by a giant statue of Artemis, now in the…

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