Epidaurus << `ehp` ih DAWR uhs >> was a small ancient city on the east coast of the Peloponnesus, a large peninsula of southern Greece. Sources mention Epidaurus as early as the 700’s B.C. and as late as the A.D. 500’s. It is best known for its sanctuary (sacred place) of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing (see Asclepius). The sanctuary was about 6 miles (10 kilometers) southwest of the city. The ruins of the sanctuary include a temple, a stadium, and many facilities for visitors, including baths and a hotel with 160 rooms. The best preserved of all ancient Greek theaters is also at the site. Built in the 320’s B.C., it seats about 14,000 people and has excellent acoustics.
The cult (worship) of Asclepius, centered at Epidaurus, reached its height in the 300’s B.C. The worshipers of Asclepius believed in the god’s healing powers. The temple was built in the 370’s B.C. Many inscriptions at the sanctuary say that Asclepius cured sick people while they slept in a special guesthouse.
