Description
Asclepius Greek Statue is based on an original full-size statue found at Epidaurus, a popular Greek pilgrimage site for the sick beginning in the 3rd century. Asclepius is shown standing holding his attribute, a stick with snake curled around it. Snakes were thought to help cure illness. Asclepius Greek Statue is part of the Parastone Museum Collection of fine collectibles. Made from resin with an antique finish, and measures: 8.25″H x 4.25″W x 2.25″D.
Asclepius (Epidaurus, Greece 4-2nd C.BC)
Asclepius, son of Apollon and Coronis, is the (demi-)god of medicine and the father of Hygeia, goddess of health and Panacea, goddess of medicines. Coronis committed adultery while she was pregnant and was laid out on a funeral pyre. At the last minute, her son was freed using caesarian Section (which explains the name Asclepius, which means cut open). Apollon brought Hippolytos back to life (for a hefty fee). Hades complained to his brother Zeus then killed Asclepius with his lightning bolt upon which Apollon killed the Cyclops which Zeus got his lightning from. Asclepius’ standard attribute is a staff with a snake wound around it. The ancient Greeks believed snakes were part of the underworld which held the key to the mystery of life and the curing of illness.
Edidaurus
The originally full-size sculpture was found in Epidaurus, Asclepius’ principal sanctuary in the north-east of the Peloponnese. It was a popular pilgrimage site from the 3rd century onwards. Ill people could stay the night there and then present their dreams to the priests on the following day. It was seen as a good sign if the former included a snake which they often did, as the floors of the wards writhed with holy snakes.
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