SNAKE HEALERS IN ANCIENT GREECE

 Snakes were used to heal the sick in ancient Greece.

Snakes have held significant roles in the mythology of many ancient cultures, including ancient Greece, where they were used to heal the sick.

Around the world, reptiles are often seen as symbols of healing, transformation, and fertility.

In the ancient Greek Minoan civilization,  which lasted in Crete from about 3.500 BC to 1.100 BC snakes occupied a place of great importance.

One of the most iconic images from the Minoan culture is the "Snake Goddess" a bare-chested woman holding two snakes over her head.

Perhaps the most famous snakes in ancient Greece, however, are those that were used for healing rituals in the temples dedicated to Asclepius.  He was the son of the god Apollo and a hero who was known as the god of medicine.  Linked to snakes, his staff entwined with the reptiles is still used as a symbol of medicine today.

The healing god was the father of goddesses related to medicine: Hygeia the goddess of health, Iaso the goddess of recuperation, Aceso the goddess of cleanliness and Panacea the goddess of universal remedies.    

Those who were suffering from diseases would make a pilgrimage to the temples of Asclepius. The cult of the god became very popular around 500 BC when umpteen visits to the temple were recorded. 

There were over 300 Asclepeia, temples dedicated to the god across ancient Greece. The most famous of all is found in the ancient site of Epidaurus, which is home to the renowned ancient theatre/which is still in use today.

In fact, the Hippocratic Oath, the earliest text on medical ethics in the world begins by evoking a number of gods, including Asclepius.

"I swear by Apollo, Asclepius, Hygeia, Panacea and all the gods and goddesses, making them witnesses, that I shall carry out my healing according to my ability and judgement this oath and this endenture."