Asclepieion Ancient City in Pergamon of Turkey
The Asclepieion of Pergamum was perhaps the world’s most famous ancient medical center, and is the second-most important site in Bergama.
An ancient middle, the Asclepion in Izmir province, is made nearby the springs that are believed to be curative. Treatment could be a priority within the designs of the buildings, and therefore the success of the doctors earned the middle an honest name during the Roman era.
Employing a range of techniques from dream interpretations to treatment with cold, hot, and dust baths and sunbathing therapy, Asclepieion was the most advanced center of its time.
Exploring Asclepieion of Pergamon
The Asclepion (Asclepieion) of Pergamum was perhaps the most famous ancient medical center in the world and is the second-most important location in Bergama. The Asclepion is situated to the west of the town center, 1.6 km (one mile) north of the main street. It is reached by a road on the left (north), 6 km (3.73 miles) east of the Otogar (bus station) and 1 km (0.6 miles) west of the Bergama Museum and city center.
The road to the Asclepion passes through a large Turkish military base. Do not halt on the highway, do not photograph, and do not linger there at night. Founded by a man named Archias, the Asclepion of Pergamum was famous in Galen's day (131–210 AD), a local physician who learned medicine in Greece and Alexandria (Egypt) before settling here as a doctor for Pergamum's gladiators.
From the parking lot, and where snack stands and shops are located, you walk along a monumental marble street. This was a commercial market street, with shops on either side.
Walking into the main precinct of the Asclepion, you'll notice a large marble column fragment with the Asclepion symbol: two facing snakes across a wheel. Since snakes shed their skins and are "born again," patients at the Asclepion were believed to be shedding disease and becoming well. The first large structure you will see is the large theater, in front of which there are several stone-lined holy pools. These pools hold water (and frogs) in spring but may be dry in summer and autumn. As one of the many Turkey attractions, the Asclepion offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of ancient healing practices.
History of Asclepieion of Pergamon
According to ancient myth, the god Asklepios had the ability to lift people from the dead, and he himself was restored to life by Zeus; for this reason, he was thought to even have a snake form. Tame snakes were kept in his temples as this reptile was considered a logo of regeneration, thanks to the shedding and regrowth of their skin. Patients approached the healing temple via the Sacred Way, a path that started their journey to health.
An underground passage led to that, so the patients went down a brief flight of steps into a tunnel: cubicles were located on either side of the passage, and patients spent the night there. Within the morning, they might tell their dreams to the priests/doctors to facilitate the diagnosis of their disease. The patients then climbed to the temple, which had a round shape so they might get in a never-ending parade; the pillars supporting the monuments had individual receptacles for bathing.
Treatments included psychotherapy, massage, herbal treatments, clay and bathing treatments, surgeries, and also the drinking of water, which were prescribed in line with what dreams the patient had experienced – it had been believed that dreams recounted a visit by the god Asklepios, who held the key to curing all illness. Exploring the Asclepion as part of a Turkey tour offers a unique glimpse into the ancient healing traditions that shaped Turkey culture.
Understanding the Ancient Medical Complex
Stone terraces cascade down Asclepion's hillside in tiered fashion, each level skillfully constructed to carry healing waters through the sanctuary. Ancient engineers wove together a complex system of channels, pools, and treatment spaces, creating a marvel of medical engineering that still intrigues modern minds.
Layout of water channels
Skilled artisans constructed a highly advanced network of waterways, redirecting both iron-rich and sulfurous springs through the sacred lands. These streams of life irrigated exactly located reservoirs within the various stages of the sanctuary. Most notable perhaps is the subterranean tunnel - a 70-meter marvel connecting sleeping quarters to healing rooms. Over it, its vaulted ceiling shielded pilgrims as sacred drops created celestial music in the darkness beneath.
Types of healing pools
Three sacred pools offered separate paths to wellness within the confines of Asclepion. Directly across from the theater, north stoa-facing, the central pool enticed with marble stairs, where cleansing by ritual recreated body and soul. Westward, a lion's head fountain poured healing water into a second pool, reserved for medicinal consumption. The smallest temple, cut from living stone beneath the cover of the western stoa, contained mud therapy taking advantage of earth's own energy.
Healing halls
Next to Asklepios's temple was the main healing hall, where ancient knowledge took form. Holiness spring water occupied a central basin at the building's base. Healings were conducted there with both hot water and steam in their medicinal tool box. Telesphorus, the god of the southeast corner's protective care, resided within his temple's watchful care over these rituals of holiness. Within such consecrated portals, special chambers served various purposes:
- Special rooms where treatments advanced
- Sanctuaries where dreams uncovered divine guidance
- Halls where spaces were dedicated to herbal wisdom and healing touch
- Sacred dining halls where food became medicine
FAQS
Q1. What is the ancient hospital in Pergamon?
The Asclepion Turkey was the renowned ancient healing center in Pergamon, where treatments included dream therapy, herbal medicine, and hydrotherapy.
Q2. Where is the Asclepion?
The Asclepieion of Pergamon is located in modern-day Bergama, Turkey, about 100 km north of Izmir. It was one of the most advanced medical centers of the ancient world.
Q3. How did the Asclepieion of Pergamon treat patients?
The Asclepion Turkey used holistic treatments like dream analysis, baths, and music therapy, believing that healing came through divine intervention from Asklepios.
Q4. Can visitors explore the Asclepieion of Pergamon today?
Yes! The Asclepion Turkey is open to visitors, offering a fascinating glimpse into ancient medical practices and historical ruins.