We started our day in Epidaurus. This was the site of a large healing center. Worship here was to the demigod Asclepius. Healing efforts focused on whole health, both physical with baths, and exercise, and spiritual through worship of the gods, and mental through the theatrical arts.
One of the largest theaters of the ancient world is at Epidaurus. It seats about 15,000 people and is still used today. Since it was part of a religious site, this is one of the few theaters that was not modified by the Romans for use in their gladiator games. The acoustics of the theater are incredible. Even sitting in the uppermost seats, you can hear an unamplified voice as if the person is sitting right next to you.
This is the stadium used for exercise and games.
Among the items found at Epidaurus were many inscriptions describing the stories of people healed here. This tablet describes healing practices used in the second century AD. Perhaps Janis can get it translated. ;)
Some tools of the trade.
Some small statues found at the site.
Polykeitos, the designer of the temple of Asclepius, is said to have invented the Corinthian style architecture. This capital was found buried near the temple and probably served as the model for the capitals used in the temple. It's possible this is the first capital made in the Corinthian style in History by Polykleitos himself.
The temple of Asclepius is undergoing reconstruction. They hope to restore enough of it to show the columns, ceiling, and roof.
This is the entrance of the gymnasium partially restored. When doing restoration work, archeologists use marble from the original quarries, but colored such that you can tell what is original.
On our way to Nafplion for lunch we passed an ancient bridge built by the Mycenaeans.
Lunch was at a cafe across the parking lot from the bay. On the bay was an old, but not ancient, castle.
Another castle was on the hilltop.
We had a little time to wander around the city. We took a little walk and found some unusual (to us) baby swings.
It was a beautiful day. In fact the weather has been steadily improving the more South we go.
After lunch we stopped at the port city of Cenchreae. This place is mentioned twice in the New Testament. This is the port from which Paul left Corinth after staying for 18 months as mentioned in Acts 18:18. It's also the home of Phoebe who was entrusted to deliver Paul's letter to the Romans. Paul mentions her in Romans 16:1-2.
The man in the purple hat is Costas, our guide for the Greece portion of the trip. He was an excellent guide and provided a huge amount of information. We have been very blessed to have him. Yes, his hat is purple. This is the Eastern definition of purple.
Our last stop before we got to Athens was at the Corinthian Canal. The canal is 8km long and connects the Aegean Sea with the Gulf of Corinth saving over 100 nautical miles for ships traveling around the Greek peninsula.
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