Nomos AG, 39
ARGOLIS, Epidauros. Circa 255-250 BC. AR Hemidrachm (13mm, 2.41 g, 7h). Laureate head of Asklepios left; behind, Θ above effaced E / EΠ monogram within laurel-wreath. Requier
Monnayage, Series 4 [2], (D1/R3), 199 = BCD Peloponnesos 1243 (this coin); SNG Copenhagen -; Dewing 1931 (same dies). Good VF, toned.
Ex BCD Collection (LHS 96, 8 May 2006), lot 1243.
Reputed to be the birthplace of Asklepios, the god of healing, Epidauros was established as that god’s sanctuary. There, the Asklepieion, or temple dedicated to him, became the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, and the place to which the ill traveled for relief. A massive complex, it contained shrines, healing mineral springs, and dormitories. The central feature of the site was the ta enkoimêtêria, a large sleeping hall, where the ill would spend the night. The dreams they dreamed while there were subsequently interpreted as the god’s advice for the recovery of their health. The large theater, admired by Pausanias, remains the best-preserved building of its type from the Classical World.
