The Greek god of the healing arts, Asklepios, lat. Aesculapius, German Äskulap,
Son of the light god Apollo and the Koronis, whom she deceived with the mortal of Ischy. Apollon killed her for this iniquity, but saved the unborn child of Asklepios.
The name of his daughter Hygieia (Greek for "health") was reflected in the term hygiene.
Asklepios is said to have mastered medicine, surgery and herbalism. The healing treatment in the cult of Asklepios often consisted of the patient sleeping in the temple of Asklepios, which is usually located outside the city. In his dream, the doctor appeared to him and gave up diets or other cures to the patient.
When Asklepios tried his miracle healings on the dead, Zeus hurled him into the underworld with lightning.
This statue, originally 60 cm high, was found in the Shrine of Asklepios in Epidaurus, Peloponnese. Dated on the 1st half of the 4th century BC.
Exhibit of the National Archaeological Museum Athens, inventory no. 265.
