What Is Epidarvos?
Epidarvos or Epidaurus is an ancient Greek city located in the northeast part of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, near Nafplio. Palia Epidavros is the ancient harbour, which today is party under water after a volcanic eruption.
In 400 BC Epidavros had a complex of hospitals and sick wards as this was the most famous healing centre in the Greek world. Sick were treated by doctor-priests doing the work of Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. It is famous for its 4th century BC temple of Asclepius.
History
Around 1200 BC, Epidavros was a big city with 80 000 inhabitants ruled by a king. It was the most important port in the Peloponnese because of its strategic location.
The city was originally Ionic, but became Doric under the influence of Argos, to which it owed religious allegiance. Politically it remained independent.
Archaeological Remains
Excavations at Epidavros revealed temples of Asclepius and Artemis, a theatre, stadium, gymnasium, baths, a tholos, hospital and an abaton, an area where patients slept. Inscriptions record divine medical cures.
On the peninsula are the remains of the ancient acropolis. You can see walls and the remains of a theatre and an early Christian basilica. The theatre has 18 rows and was built during the 4th century BC. Not all the city has been excavated yet. In 2011 a statue of the god Hermes was found.
Interest For Today
It is of historical value and gives insight to how people lived during this era.
Location
Epidavros is found in Greece on the coordinates 37°38′N 23°08′E.
Tourist Information
The town can be visited daily, but the archaeological sites are only open at certain times.
