ASCLEPIUS IN MOVEMENT.AN INTRODUCTION TO HEALING CULT AND MEDICINE
Abstract
The article presents a discussion about Asclepius, a Greek healing god that more than a millennium offered an attractive proposition for patients respectively worshippers. It was situated at the intersection of healing cult and medicine respectively healing art. With this, Asclepius was a religious attractor an even more. For historical analysis one has to look at epigraphic sources, literary texts, papyri, numismatic and archaeological testimonies, i.e. written and iconic sources. The medicine of Asclepius met a strong demand in the Mediterranean area and beyond, and was extended by the foundation of further subsidiaries. Temples of Asclepius in the course of time spread farther and farther away from the original nucleus of territory in Epidaurus. In the Asclepeia there was a multi faceted synthesis of cult, medicine respectively healing art and muse which led to an independent form of medical care (medicine of Asclepius). Asclepius sanctuaries were health resorts in which a specific form of medicine was practiced. The architecture was adapted to the social needs of the patients: in the sanctuaries - totally in the sense of a holistic conception of therapy - there were libraries, theatres and sport stadiums. With this supportive environment was offered to the worshippers - at the same time patients - during their stay at the health resort. Thereby, already more than 2000 years ago a plural medical care was provided as it is frequently still in demand today. The Asclepius cult is an example that healing art in a religious context tries a harmonization of natural and supernatural reality can be approved.