Asklepios

Asklepios, alternatively spelled Asclepius and also known as Aesclepiadae, is a hero and god of medicine in Greek mythology. He is a son of Apollo and the father of the goddess Hygieia.

Influence[]

5th century BCE[]

During the 5th century BCE the worship of Asclepius was widespread in the Greek world, and shrines and temples for him could be found here and there. Among the most notable was the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Argolis.^[1]

However, even Argolis' sanctuary was overshadowed by the island of Kos, where the followers and the very descendants of Asklepios, the Asklepiads lived. One of the regions of the island was named after them as the Highlands of Asklepiades, and Astypalia City housed the Hippokratic School of Medicine.^[2]

1st century BCE[]

During the 1st century BCE the Greeks erected a sanctuary in Balagrae, Cyrenaica in worship of him.^[3]

Behind the scenes[]

Aesclepiadae is a term used to refer to a group of people following Asclepius; in mythology, 'Aesclepiadae' includes all the sons and daughters of Asclepius. Among humans, the term was used of physicians, banding them together as a "clan of Aesclepiadae".^[4]

In Assassin's Creed: Origins, Praxilla, a healer of Balagrae, had a ring with the rod of Asclepius emblazoned on it.^[5] The Rod of Asklepios has become the emblem of the medical field. It is, however, often confused with the caduceus.

According to some versions of the stories, Asklepios was a member of the Argonauts.

In Assassin's Creed: Odyssey, the standing statue of Asklepios with his snake-staff and a bowl is based on a statue, originally from 5th century BCE, Athens. The relief featuring Asklepios and Hygieia feeding snakes is based on a Roman marble relief from 2nd century AD, making its presence anachronistic. The relief featuring Asklepios, Hygieia, and people with a bull is based on Pentelic marble sculpture from 4th century BCE.