Nestled west of the Pergamon hill, the Asclepieion of Pergamon is one of the most amazing healing shrines in antiquity. Despite lacking the dramatic grandeur of the Acropolis, this famous medical complex had a significant impact on early medical techniques. As one of the most important therapeutic sites in the Roman Empire, the Asclepieion was a diverse institution that included baths, temples, a theater, a library, treatment facilities, and latrines. The remains of these temples survive, providing a vivid view into the therapeutic environment that flourished during Emperor Hadrian’s reign (117-138 AD).

The Origins of the Asclepieion

According to mythology, Archias, a local, constructed the Asclepieion of Pergamon after seeking treatment at Greece’s renowned Asclepieion of Epidaurus. Following his recuperation, he attempted to construct a comparable refuge in Pergamon, building a clinic that offered a variety of treatments. These included mud baths, herbal cures, ointments, enemas, and sunbathing treatments. Dream interpretation was frequently used to make diagnoses, with priests serving as go-betweens for patients and God.

The Influence of Galen

The Asclepieion rose to prominence thanks to Galen (AD 129-216), one of history’s most renowned physicians. Galen was born in Pergamon and studied medicine at Alexandria, Greece, and Asia Minor before returning to his homeland to serve as the chief physician to the gladiators. His breakthrough study on the circulatory and neurological systems, as well as his systematic treatment of medical theories, solidified his legacy. His expertise helped Pergamon’s medical school thrive, influencing Western medicine for centuries. His books remained authoritative until the Renaissance, illustrating the long-term significance of his discoveries.

The Sacred Pathway and Architectural Marvels

From the sanctuary’s entrance, guests were led down a majestic colonnaded boulevard known as the Via Tecta. Asclepius emblems were adorning this hallowed path, including a column with a serpent motif—an emblem of rejuvenation and healing. Patients at the Asclepieion were believed to shed their ailments and emerge restored, just as a snake sheds its skin to rejuvenate itself.

The site included a circular Temple of Asklepios, a library, and a well-preserved Roman theatre. The latrines situated in the southwest corner of the main courtyard, strategically placed above a sanitation channel. A sacred well in the center of the sanctuary provided medicinal waters, supporting the belief in the healing virtues of water. A vaulted tunnel led to the treatment complex, which included a temple dedicated to Telesphorus, another deity of medicine. Patients would sleep here, hoping to get a prophetic dream from the god that would reveal their cure. Telesphorus’ daughters, Hygeia and Panacea, gave their names to current medical language, meaning health and universal remedy, respectively.

The Mythology of Asclepius

The centaur Chiron nurtured Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, and taught him a wealth of information about medicinal plants and healing practices. According to folklore, Asclepius’ ultimate goal was to conquer death itself. He discovered the secret of resurrection by using the pure blood of the dead Gorgons, Medusa and her sisters. However, his triumph enraged Zeus, who saw his deeds as a threat to the natural order. In retaliation, Zeus struck Asclepius with a thunderbolt, restoring balance while immortalizing him as a celestial figure. His legacy lives on in sanctuaries like Pergamon’s Asclepieion, where wild garlic—thought to have medicinal properties—still thrives today.

The Asclepieia: Centers of Healing

Healing temples consecrated to Asclepius were known as Asclepieia, and their custodians, the Asclepiades, were thought to be the god’s descendants. Among these sanctuaries, Epidaurus in Greece was the most prestigious, with Pergamon’s Asclepieion coming in close second. Pergamon’s sanctuary evolved throughout centuries, reaching its pinnacle under Emperor Hadrian, when it became one of the ancient world’s leading medical facilities.

The Foundation Legend of the Pergamon Asclepieion

The Pergamon Asclepieion is believed to have originated with Arkhias, a nobleman who sought treatment at the Epidaurus sanctuary after suffering a grievous injury while hunting on the slopes of Mount Madra. Following his recuperation, he vowed to build an even larger healing complex in Pergamon. Originally built in the 4th century BC, the sanctuary was gradually extended and improved, until acquiring its renowned shape during the Roman era.

The Treatment Methods of the Asclepieion

The Asclepieion of Pergamon was well-known for its inventive and holistic treatment procedures, many of which are still in use today. Among these were:

• Suggestion Therapy: Psychological healing through verbal persuasion, akin to modern psychotherapy.
• Hydrotherapy: The use of hot, cold, and mud baths to alleviate physical ailments.
• Herbal Medicine: The application of medicinal plants and dietary regimens to promote recovery.
• Massage Therapy: The use of oils and ointments to relieve pain and enhance circulation.
• Bloodletting: The extraction of blood to rebalance bodily humors.
• Sun Therapy: Exposure to sunlight to invigorate the body and spirit.
• Surgical Procedures: When necessary, surgical interventions were performed, often with remarkable success.

Aelius Aristides, a contemporary of the Asclepieion, described these approaches in his work Hieroi Logoi, which offers a unique peek into ancient therapeutic practices.

Galen: The Father of Pharmacy

Claudius Galenus, also known as Galen, was a towering figure in the history of medicine. Born in Pergamon in 129 AD, he received a thorough medical education before returning home to improve his abilities. His experience as a gladiator medic equipped him with extraordinary anatomical expertise, which he eventually employed as Emperor Marcus Aurelius’ head physician. Galen’s contributions to pharmacology were groundbreaking—he was the first to develop compound medications by mixing various active components, giving him the moniker Medicina, which is the Latin root of the word’medicine.’ His legacy as the father of pharmacy continues to this day.

Sites to Explore in the Asclepieion

The Asclepieion of Pergamon is still one of the best-preserved ancient medicinal sites, affording visitors a remarkable journey through history. Key places include:

• The Colonnaded Courtyard: A tranquil space where patients would await their treatments.
• The Roman Theatre: A 3,500-seat venue used for performances and therapeutic entertainment.
• The Temple of Asclepius: The spiritual heart of the sanctuary, where divine interventions were sought.
• The Library: A repository of medical knowledge and scholarly texts.
• The Sacred Spring and Pools: Water sources believed to possess curative properties.
• The Sleeping Chambers: Rooms where patients sought divine guidance through dreams.