Aesculapius: The Healer and God of Dream Incubation
Aesculapius (or Asclepius) was one of the most popular healing deities in the Hellenistic world. A mortal son of Apollo, he was slain by Zeus for daring to bring people back from the dead. Taught the healing arts by the centaur Chiron, Aesculapius evolved into a god over time, and by the end of the classical period, he became a prominent figure in the Greek pantheon.
The Asclepieion of Epidaurus
The central asclepieion (temple dedicated to Aesculapius) was located six miles inland from the Greek city of Epidaurus, his legendary birthplace. Established in the sixth or seventh century B.C.E., this temple was the focal point of Aesculapius worship for over eight hundred years. In 293 B.C.E., the cult was officially brought to Rome when a giant snake from the asclepieion at Epidaurus, believed to embody Aesculapius, was sent to halt a devastating plague.
Dream Incubation and Healing
The primary practice at the asclepieions was dream incubation, a technique in which people sought specific dreams for healing and guidance. Pilgrims came to these temples to sleep with the intention of receiving a healing dream from Aesculapius. Initially, it was believed that the dream itself could cure the dreamer. Later, dreams were viewed as providing essential information that could lead to healing if the advice was followed.
Aesculapius in Dreams
Aesculapius would sometimes appear in the dream of a seeker, touch the diseased part of their body with his finger, and then vanish. In other instances, he appeared as a dog or snake, both associated with healing in the ancient world.
Rituals and Priestly Assistance
Before seeking a dream, the dreamer fasted and performed other rituals such as sacrifices and cold baths. In cases where the temple was too far away or the seeker was too sick, a surrogate could undergo the rituals on their behalf. Priests at the asclepieions assisted in performing these rituals and interpreting the dreams.
See Also: Greek Mythology, Healing Dreams, Dream Incubation, Ancient Rituals.
[1]The Roman form of the Greek god of healing,
[2]