Epidavros (Ancient Theatre)

Pyxis
Karen & Richard
Wed 12 May 2010 22:58

Wednesday 12th May – Epidavros (Ancient Theatre)

37:38.240N 23:09.450E

 

This morning we were up relatively early and the four of us hopped in a cab and took a run out to the Ancient Theatre of Epidavros, about 16km away.  It is considered to be the best of the ancient Greek theatres due to its symmetry and its incredible acoustics; the view from the top was fabulous.  It is extremely well preserved, retaining most of its original features.

 

The site was also an important sanctuary to the healing god Asklepios – of staff and serpent fame – set up in the 6th century BC.  Apart from the theatre, the other remains are now merely foundations but demonstrate an extensive ancient development for the healing of the sick including a four quad Katagogion (a hotel with 160 sleeping cells) where the sick would be kept and a Tholos (circular pillared hall) where the sick were taken and, after first being purified and having offered a sacrifice, were required to sleep so that the god could appear to them in a dream and cure them.

 

The site also has an assortment of ancient temples to various gods, a gymnasium complex, stadium and Roman baths.

 

On the way back, we stopped off at the much smaller Greek theatre being renovated just along the bay from the harbour.  We were back on Pyxis by lunchtime to find most of our neighbours have moved on. 

 

The lead boat for the Sunsail’s Poros flotilla arrived alongside us last night and are here preparing for the season so we have caught up on developments since we first used Sunsail all those years ago.

 

This afternoon we have re-fuelled by taking a trip to the local petrol station with our cans as we have been motoring quite a bit over the last few days and decided to take the opportunity whilst the petrol station was close by.

 

 

Epidavros:  Ancient Theatre and Sanctuary of Asklepios

 

Epidavros:  Smaller theatre

 

© Pyxis 2010