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Asclepius

Other Spellings: Aesculapius, Asklepios, Serpent-bearer

He was the demigod of medicine and healing in ancient Greek mythology. Asclepius represents the healing aspect of the medical arts. It is said that Chiron taught Asclepius the art of surgery, teaching him to be the most well-respected doctor of his day also teaching him the use of medicines. Asclepius' powers were not appreciated by all, and his ability to revive the dead soon drew the ire of Zeus, who struck him down with a thunderbolt. After Zeus realized Asclepius' importance to the world of humans, Zeus placed him in the sky as the constellation Ophiuchus. The name, "serpent-bearer," refers to the Rod of Asclepius, which is entwined with a single serpent a symbol for physicians the world over.

The Cult of Asclepius' had its most famous sanctuary in Epidaurus in Northeastern Peloponnese. Another famous "asclepieion" was on the island of Cos / Kos, where Hippocrates, the legendary doctor, is said to have begun his career. Other asclepieions were situated in Trikala, as the ruins indicate and Pergamum in Asia.

In honor of Asclepius, snakes were often used in healing rituals. Non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor in dormitories where the sick and injured slept. Starting about 300 BC, the cult of Asclepius grew very popular. His healing temples were called asclepieion; pilgrims flocked to them to be healed. They slept overnight and reported their dreams to a priest the following day. He prescribed a cure, often a visit to the baths or a gymnasium.

The Staff of Asclepius
[Personification of Medical or Healing Arts]

Professional and patient centered organizations use the "correct" and traditional symbol of medicine, the staff of Asclepius with a single serpent encircling a staff, classically a rough-hewn knotty tree limb. However, one should be careful not to confuse the Staff of Asclepius, which features a single serpent wrapped around a roughhewn branch, with the Caduceus of Mercury (Roman), or the Karykeion of Hermes.

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