EPIDAURUS

Epidaurus is an ancient city -state that is situated on the east coast of Argolida, on the Saronic Gulf, 60km from the campsite. Its first inhabitants were the Ionians who had surrendered to the Dorians before the 9th century bC. During the 8th century bC Epidaurus controlled Aegina island and its trade flourished. When they lost Aegina, during the 6th century bC, their trading power also decreased. It preserved however its independence and its religious connections with other city- states. Epidaurus was known for its altar of Asclipios, god of medicine, which is at a plain 8km west of Epidaurus. This altar- in reality a clinic- was the biggest in Greece and gave Epidaurus the reputation of being one of the most sacred places of antiquity. The altar continued to prosper till the 4th century bC; during this period most of the constructions that took place are still preserved today. The most important of them being the temple where the therapy took place, the accommodations of the priest- healers, as well as the place of worship. There was also a hostel with a capacity of approximately 180 persons, with spas where water was piped from the reservoir. For the exercise of the guests there was a Gymnasium, a Stadium and an Arena. But the sacred area's jewel was the theatre with a capacity of about 15000 spectators, which is extremely well preserved and it is renowned, even today, for its excellent acoustics which allows the spectators at the back rows, to hear clearly the dialogue of individual in the orchestra.