ancient temples

Heraion/Ηραιον

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Heraion2

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The ruins of the sanctuary of Hera Akraia Limenia, is located at a beautiful cove with a magestic view of the gulf of Corinth. ‘Akraia’ means ‘great height’ and ‘Limenia’ means ‘of the harbour’.  Akraia was also the name of the naiad or water nymph associated with Hera. The site had an L shaped stoa, temple, hearth and sacred pool where visitors would cleanse themselves before entering the temple. There was a dining area that was exclusive to the wealthy. Sailors would stop by the harbour to come on the harbour  to pray, give offerings and make sacrifices to the goddess for their safe travels.

 

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Ancient Healing
Inside the temple
Inside the Abaton
The ancient stadium
At the museum in at Epidavros
Aesclipius Greek God of medicine
Artemis Goddess of the hunt

The site of Aesculapius at Epidaurus in Peloponnese was the most important healing center in the ancient Greek and Roman world. The site’s beautiful nature and the therapeutic springs attracted many people from afar and were thought be helpful in healing the patients of their ailments.  There were many temples that were considered  masterpieces and where medicine was practiced. One of the temples was dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, and another was dedicated to Aesclipius, the Greek god of medicine. The temples since that time have been devastated by many earthquakes and invaders so like Ancient Olympia there are only a few columns still standing. However, the ancient Epidaurus theatre just a few feet away and is in great condition, so it is still a great place to visit.  I would have love to have seen how it was originally it must have been an incredible place to visit.