In the area around the Temple of Asclepius the remains of two porticoes, a fountain, water cisterns and several buildings have been found. This shows that the sanctuary was a destination for many pilgrims who came here in the hopes of being healed.
When pilgrims arrived, they could leave their horses and mules in an area outside then refresh themselves and drink from a fountain of the purest water, of which archaeological traces have been found. In order to ask to be cured of an illness, it was necessary to give a coin to Asclepius by placing it inside a small box with a lid adorned with a bronze open-mouthed
snake
.
The pilgrims placed their offering into this container before continuing their journey towards the sanctuary. They would often bring with them animals to sacrifice, flat bread with honey or
ex-votos
to give to the deity; ex-votos could also be purchased inside the sanctuary, from workshops that made them. Archaeological excavations have found several ex-votos in the shape of bread or pomegranates, which were considered a magical fruit. The most common, however, were those that copied different body parts, such as the legs, feet or arms, which the pilgrims gave to the god Asclepius to heal them in that specific area. Healing took place at the hands of the priests and priestesses who lived in the sanctuary.
They were great connoisseurs of medical science, capable of performing difficult surgical operations and making them out to be the god’s work. Excavations brought to light the tools they used such as needles to sew wounds and knives used as surgical
scalpels
.
When night fell, the sick could dine and rest in areas behind the sanctuary, and while they slept, they hoped to dream that they were healed.
