The Healing Ascelpium of Pergamon, Turkey
The sacred way to the Ascelpium, just outside Pergamon, Turkey.
Even without the advantage of modern MRI’s and antibiotics, the Ancient Greeks understood something about health. Just outside many of the largest ruins from the ancient world, you will find a Sanctuary to Asclepius, God of Health. Taking in sick locals and travelers alike, most of these centers included steam-rooms, baths, theaters and doctors ready to interpret the patient’s dreams. Seemingly the best cures resulted from a little relaxation and spa time. And since near death patients were secreted out of the facility, it appeared the no one died at the Ascelpium under the care of the priests.
