Lot 4043

Description

Peloponnessos, Argolis, Epidauros, (Circa 290/280-260 B.C.), silver hemidrachm (2.40 g), obv. laureate head of Asklepios to left, rev. E**P* monogram within wreath, (S.2810, HGC 723, SNR Vol.72 Requier, Monnayage, series 2 [1], 122 (D4/R4 - this coin), BCD Peloponnesos 1233 (same dies), Winterthur 2221, cf.SNG Copenhagen 114. Toned, very fine and rare.

Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale); 1979/80 Epidaurus Hoard (CH VII, 69).

Reputed to be the birthplace of Asklepios, the god of healing, Epidauros was established as that god's sanctuary. There, the Asklepeion, or temple dedicated to him, became the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, and the place to which the ill traveled for relief. A massive complex, it contained shrines, healing mineral springs, and dormitories. The central feature of the site was the enkoimitiria, a large sleeping hall, where the ill would spend the night. The dreams they dreamed while there were subsequently interpreted as the god's advice for the recovery of their health. The site also included a large theater for ritualistic performances. Admired by Pausanias, the theatre remains the best-preserved building of its type from the Classical world.