Skopelos Asklepeion, Skopelos Archeological Sites, Skopelos Sightseeings, Asklepion Skopelos, Skopelos Asklepieion, The asklipion of Skopelos

ASKLEPEION, Ampeliki, Skopelos 4th century BC

SKOPELOS ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

The Asklepion of Skopelos is located southeast of Skopelos Gulf, in the area of Ambeliki, Livadi.

All tourists have been to this wonderful archaeological site at the beachfront of Skopelos Chora. But what the Asklipion of Skopelos really is? It used to be a healing center during ancient Greece times and especially in the 5-4th century BCE. As all the healing centers it was dedicated to Asklepios.

But who was Asklepios? Well, he was a demi-god in ancient times and the leader of a cult. In a world of slavery, where human life was worthless, this cult raised the level of humanity for the benefit of the individual. So, Asklepios, the healer of all sickness, was an exception in the Greek pantheon. People usually were afraid of the representatives of the Greek pantheon.

Over a period of 1000 years, people on an international scale loved and believed Asklepeos. Epidauros used to be the center of his belief while there were over 300 sanctuaries in the Mediterranean region.

The origin of the name Asklepios comes either from the ancient Greek word “Asklepas” (a name for a snake) or from the surname of his mother, Aigia. According to the myth, Asklepios had several children, including a daughter “Hygieia”. From that daughter, the English word “hygiene” derives.

Because of Asklepios more individuals remained healthy. But the underworld wanted more dead people. So the underworld killed Askpeleos. Later he was brought back to life and transformed into a god. Zeus placed the image of Asklepios, with his snake, among the stars. This temple site of Asklepeion was first excavated in 1965 when a treasure of ancient coins from classic to the end of the Roman period was found. Moreover, a statue of Diana (3rd century BC) and a marble torso of a child holding a stick were found. Further excavations made in 1995 brought to light walls and pottery.