The Temple of Asclepius in Bergama

The Temple of Asclepius (Asclepion) was built in the 4th century BC, dedicated to the god of medicine, Asclepius. During the Roman times, it became a medical center. The temple complex included the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a courtyard with a colonnade, a theater that could accommodate 3500 people, a ceremonial hall belonging to the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and on the south side of the Temple of Asclepius, there were three ancient Greek temples, bedrooms, springs and ponds. The Temple of Asclepius was known as 'a place where death is forbidden to enter', and the snake-shaped column, a symbol of medicine, stood next to the sacred road. Next to the sacred spring of the temple, there was an underground passage specifically for patients to avoid the heat and cold. Before becoming a court doctor, the famous medical scientist Galenos of the Roman times had been working in this temple.