Asclepius, copper alloy statue from the Gallo-Roman era, discovered in Neuvy-en-Sullias in 1861 and
Asclepius, copper alloy statue from the Gallo-Roman era, discovered in Neuvy-en-Sullias in 1861 and exhibited at the Historical and Archaeological Museum of Orléanais, Orléans, Loiret, France. Photo: © Croquant, 2010 via Wikimedia Commons (X) License: CC BY-SA 3.0The treasure of Neuvy en Sullias was discovered in a sand quarry, near a small village on the banks of the Loire, in May of 1861. The hoard of coins and small bronze figurines of animals, dancers, and deities probably represents votive offerings which had been removed from a nearby Gallo-Roman sanctuary in the second half of the 3rd century CE.Asclepius is the god of medicine, and patron of healthcare providers. He is the son of Apollo, god of healing, and the Tricaean princess Coronis. His mother died in childbirth, and Apollo rescued their unborn son from her womb. He took Asclepius to be raised by the centaur Chiron, who instructed him in the art of medicine. Asclepius became a very skilled healer. He grew even more powerful when, after performing a kindness for a serpent, the snake whispered secret knowledge to him in gratitude. After this, Asclepius was able to raise the dead to life. This was an affront against the natural laws of the universe, and Zeus destroyed him with a thunderbolt. Apollo was very angry and, to preserve the peace on Olympus, Zeus elevated Asclepius to divinity. Temples to Asclepius were renowned for the treatment of disease and injuries, and for the education of physicians.Asclepius was married in life, and his wife Epione gave birth to demigod children: Hygieia - goddess of cleanliness and healthy lifestyle, Panacea - goddess of remedies, Iaso - goddess of recuperation, Aceso - goddess of the healing process, Aigle - goddess of radiant good health. The Romans counted two additional daughters: Salus - goddess of safety and well-being, and Meditrina - goddess of healing wine. Two sons, Machaon and Podalirius, accompanied the Greek expedition to Troy as physicians. Podalirius perished in Asia Minor, where his tomb was venerated as a hero-shrine, and he was said to bestow cures for the illness of humans, as well as animals. A third son, Telesphorus, is the god of recuperation. -- source link
#asclepius#gallo-roman#roman empire#greek mythology