File:Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus - Temple of Asclepius - 52042194536.jpg

English: While an earlier temple dedicated to Apollo and Asclepius (Building E) was located within the sanctuary from the 5th century, this Classical Temple of Asclepius was the first monumental structure dedicated to the healing god. It was designed by the architect Theodotus, and several steles record the progress of its construction. The Temple of Asclepius was completed around 370 BC after a construction period of four years and eight months. It was built in soft limestone as a peripteral temple on a podium measuring approximately 23 x 12 metres overall. A ramp led to the podium from the eastern side, which faced the monumental Altar of Asclepius and the open campus used for the procession and sacrificial rituals.

The perimeter of the podium was enclosed by 30 columns (arranged 6 x 11). Each of the Doric columns stood 5.2 metres high and had a diameter of 93 cm. The temple’s pediment was decorated with metopes featuring rosettes and scenes from the Amazonamachy. Finely carved marble acroteria decorated the corners of the building. These included figures of Nike and a Nereid on horseback. Entrance into the main temple was via a pronaos built distyle in antis (two columns between extending cella walls). From the pronaos, a single door led to the main cella which was also of limestone painted with white plaster. The internal walls of the large cella were lined with engaged Corinthian columns. A central statue base displayed a larger-than-life sized cult statue of Asclepius embellished with ivory and gold. Coins record that Asclepius was shown seated on a throne, holding a staff and gesturing towards a coiled snake. Pausanias also described the statue and recorded the throne decorated in relief with images of the exploits of Argive heroes. A treasury pit beneath the cella floor stored offerings to the god. The temple was destroyed by fire by the beginning of the 5th century AD. Despite clear evidence of looting, a number of artefacts were found during excavations.

Only the foundations of the Temple of Asclepius remain along with a number of scattered architectural fragments. Visitors can see the location of the ramp which gave access to the temple podium, the perimeter of the podium, and internal wall supports. Copies of several of the pediment decorations and statues are on display in the site museum including scenes of the Amazonamachy. The original elaborate acroteria statues are displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

Source: ©Timetravelrome