Epidaurus
6 likes1,735 views
Epidaurus was an ancient Greek city located in the Argolis region. It was known as the site of the sanctuary and healing center of Asclepius, the god of medicine. The archaeological site at Epidaurus features well-preserved remains including its famous theater, one of the best preserved structures from antiquity. The theater is renowned for its near-perfect acoustics that allow voices on the stage to be heard clearly throughout the 14,000 seat auditorium without amplification. Epidaurus offers visitors the chance to experience both modern Greek town life as well as admire architectural remains that showcase ancient Greek culture and achievements in construction.
Epidaurus
- 2. PLACEEpidaurus was a small city in ancient Greece, at the Saronic Gulf. The modern town Epidavros, part of the prefecture of Argolis, was built near the ancient site.
- 3. HISTORYEpidaurus was independent of Argos and not included in Argolis until the time of the Romans. With its supporting territory, it formed the small territory called Epidauria. Reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asclepios, the healer, Epidaurus was known for his sanctuary situated about five miles (8 km) from the town, as well as its theater, which is once again in use today. The asclepieion at Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, the place where ill people went in the hope of being cured. Even after the introduction of Christianity and the silencing of the oracles, the sanctuary at Epidauros was still known as late as the mid 5th century, although as a Christian healing center.
- 4. THE ASCLEPIEION AT EPIDAURUS
- 5. THEATRE The main archaeological site at Epidaurus is its ancient theatre, one of the many Greek achievements in terms of ancient construction. Apart from the symmetry and perfect proportions of this Hellenistic structure, the theatre is unique because of its excellent state of conservation, which allows it to be still in working order. Another distinctive detail about this construction is the perfect acoustics it is said that you could drop a pin on the stage and it can be heard even if your sitting at the last seats of the theater. This feature guarantees the 14.000 spectators the theatre can hold to hear every single word from their seats with no need of using electrical.
- 8. WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT EPIDAURUS Epidauros is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. During your visit in our country you should go to Epidauros because there you can admire both the modern life of a european town and the ancient greek culture. There you will have the opportunity to see one of the oldest and finest open-air theatre of the world.