lesson 4- the healing cult of asclepius Flashcards
what were the three reasons that the healing sight at Epidaurus attracted so many people?
-healthy climate
-skilled physicians
-mineral springs
which literary source first mentions Asclepius?
The illiad- which was believed to be composed by Homer in the 8th century BC
There are various versions of the myth of Asclepius, but what points do all the accounts seem to agree on
the fact that asclepius was a mortal
How did two snakes help Asclepius discover a healing herb that could bring the dead back to life?
Asclepius was given the task of restoring the life of a man named glaucus. Whilst he was pondering on what to do, a snake crept near his staff, but Asclepius didn’t know what to do so he killed it by hitting it repeatedly. After a while, another snake came to him with a herb in his mouth and placed it on the head of the dead snake, after which both escaped. Asclepius used the same herb to bring glaucus back to life.
what was the name of the man that asclepius had to bring back to life?
Glaucus
Who did the medical guild, known as the Asclepiads, claim to be descended from?
the sons of Asclepius
How far did the healing cult of Asclepius spread in the ancient world?
it spread all the to Rome
What sort of places were sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius located?
they were usually located in healthy places e.g on hills outside of towns or near wells that were believed to have healing powers.
Who was the sanctuary at Epidaurus dedicated to before Asclepius?
apollo
Why was the snake sacred to Asclepius?
Because the snake brought glaucus back alive, and also because it was associated with healing in general and snakes were further believed to be guardians of wells with healing powers.
How often was the Panhellenic Asclepia festival held at Epidaurus?
every four years
What did someone experience when they came to the panhellenic Asclepia festival for healing?
First, one would need to go through Katharsis (purification) This involved taking a number of ritual baths, and doing a cleansing diet, which could last as long as six days.
- Then, once you were considered pure, you were ready to be diagnosed and receive prescriptions.This was done through “incubatio”, a sort of dream therapy. Patients would be led into the “Enkoimeterion”, or dormitory, where they would be put into a hypnotic state. As they slept, they would be visited by either Asclepius himself, or one of his children, who would reveal a remedy for their disease.
What would those healed offer to the god in thanks?
A sacrifice consisting of either a rooster or a goat or a votive offering of an image of what the god had healed.
How is Asclepius defined in the Iliad?
as a hero
According to Homer, who was Asclepius trained by and what role did he and his sons have?
He was taught by the centaur chiron, and he brings his sons along to help heal the most seriously wounded of the Greek warriors
