Peace at Asclepion
by Alan Lakin
Title
Peace at Asclepion
Artist
Alan Lakin
Medium
Photograph
Description
A beautiful view of the ruins at Asclepion, the ancient Roman health spa near Canakkale, Turkey.
Pergamum’s Asclepion came to the fore under Galen (129–216 AD), who was born here and studied in Alexandria, Greece and Asia Minor before setting up shop as physician to Pergamum’s gladiators. Recognised as perhaps the greatest early physician, Galen added considerably to the knowledge of the circulatory and nervous systems, and also systematised medical theory. Under his influence, the medical school at Pergamum became renowned throughout the ancient world. His work was the basis for Western medicine well into the 16th century.
The Roman Via Tecta , a colonnaded sacred way, leads from the entrance to the sanctuary , where you’ll see the base of a column carved with snakes, the symbol of Asclepios, the god of medicine. Just as the snake sheds its skin and gains a ‘new life’, so the patients at the Asclepion were supposed to ‘shed’ their illnesses. Signs mark a circular Temple of Asclepios , a library and, beyond it, a heavily restored Roman theatre.
This was one of the most peaceful places I have ever visited. I can understand why the physicians were so successful here.
Uploaded
December 11th, 2013
Statistics
Viewed 347 Times - Last Visitor from Fairfield, CT on 03/18/2024 at 6:55 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet
Comments (5)
John Bailey
Congratulations on being featured in the Fine Art America Group "Images That Excite You!"
Nadine and Bob Johnston
What a magnificent Landscape! Superbly captured and wonderful to view! Love the tonal range and composition...
Randy Rosenberger
Alan, one awesome find and great capture of these ruins. Much mystery behind these finds! It is a true honor and privilege to FEATURE this creative and wondrous piece of art work on the WFS site, from one of our honored and prestigious members. This awesome piece of beauty is what we are looking for to promote and let others see, including other artists and potential customers, as your works are some of the Best of the Best in my Book! Thanks much for sharing this beauty with us. Liked Forever, Elvis