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The Ancient Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus Greece
Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus – The stoa of Abaton or “Enkoimeterion” (incubation hall) was the place in which patients were cured, through the contact with the healing god Asklepios during the “enkoimesis” (incubation). This kind of healing was a mystery, so the scoa was an “abaton” (impenetrable), which means blocked for those who had not prepared themselves to encounter Asklepios.
Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus
Abaton was a long narrow building, 70 m long and 10 m wide, built in two levels on a rather steep slope north of the temple of Asklepios and the Tholos. It was constructed in two phases. In the early 4th century B.C. the eastern half of the stoa was built on the higher part of the slope. The architect of the second phase (late 4th century B.C.) exploited the difference of level produced by the slope to the northwest and added there a two-storeyed stoa doubling the original length of the building.
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Who destroyed the Parthenon? Who sadly bombed it?
Who destroyed the Parthenon? – When you visit the Parthenon for the first time you may feel disappointed because it doesn’t be well preserved. This is especially true if you don’t know all the things that has happend to the Parthenon.
The temple has endured many vicissitudes. Not only the time has ruined the Parthenon but also some people, in the course of history, did their part in taking off works of art from the Parthenon. Furthermore it was also bombed! Who destroyed the Parthenon? Who bombed it?
Who destroyed the Parthenon?
The First destruction: the fire
The first major destruction occured in 267 AD due to arson. In the late 3rd or late 4th cent A.D., the interior of the temple was destroyed by fire either by Germanic tribe of the Heruli (267 A.D.) or by Alaric’s Visigoths (396 A.D.)
The early Christian period
During the early Christian period (6th cent A.D.), the new perceptions on art led the destruction of many works of art around Greece. This included many of Parthenon’s sculptures.
The Parthenon became the church of the Holy Virgin of Athens, the largest in the city. During the construction of the Christian apse at the east porch, the central scene of the east pediment with the birth of Athena was lost. After 1205, it felt into hands of the Franks of the 4th Crusade, becoming a church of the Latin faith.
The Parthenon becomes a Minaret
When Athens was surrendered to the Ottoman Turks in 1458, the temple became a mosque with a minaret.
In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the troops of Venetian general Francesco Morosini a cannoball made a direct hit in the interior of the temple, which the Turks used as powder magazine. The terrible explosion blew up the roof and destroyed the long sides of the temple as well as parts of its sculptures.
1456 The Ottomans conquer Athens. The site of the Acropolis is used for habitation while the Parthenon is converted in a mosque.
Who bombed it?
Who destroyed the Parthenon? In 1687, during the siege of the Acropolis by the troops of Venetian general Francesco Morosini a cannoball made a direct hit in the interior of the temple, which the Turks used as powder magazine. The terrible explosion blew up the roof ond destroyed the long sides of the temple as well as parts of its sculptures.
1687 The Venetians siege the Acropolis which is under Turkish occupation. An artillery shell hits the Parthenon, which is being used by the Turks as a powder magazine and ignites a colossal explosion. The monument shakes and is widely damaged. The east frieze collapses.
1688 Francesco Morosini, the commanding Admiral of the Venetians, tries to remove the horses and Poseidon statues from the west pediment to transport them to Venice. The operation is unsuccessful, the statues fall dawn to the ground and shatter.
Who destroyed the Parthenon? Elgin
Who destroyed the Parthenon? The most severe damage to the monument was caused in 1801-1802, when the Scotch ambassador of England to Constantinople Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin, removed the gretest part of the sculptures that also compromised structural members of the temple.
By bribing the Turkish garrison of the Acropolis and employng teams of the Italian artist G.B. Lusieri, Elgin removed and transported to England 19 pedimental sculptures, 15 metopes and the reliefs of 56 sawn blocks of the frieze, today exhibited in the British Museum in London.
1799 Thomas Bruce, 7th Lord of Elgin, is appointed Ambassador of His Brittanic Majesty in Constantinople in order to reinforce the relationships between the Ottoman Empire and Britain.
1800 Elgin organize a mission to Athens in order to, as it was officially stated, study, sketch and make casts of the sculptures of the Parthenon. The group includes architects, moulders and the painter Feodor Ivanovitch. The court’s painter Don Giovanni Battista Luisieri is chosen to led the mission.
Elgin’s fervent desire to obtain the original scupltures emerges very soon and results in the uncontrollable plundering of the Acropolis. Using his political influence and by generously bribing the officils he secures the authorities concession. The removal and transportation of the inscriptions, sculptures and architectural members from the Acropolis begins in July of 1801 and last 4 years.
1802 September. Block V of the eastern frieze, which lays on the ground is sawed off to diminish weight from approximately becomes less than during the transportation it breakes in two pieces.
1802 September 16th The block is packed and loaded on the brig Mentor. During the voyage the ship is hit by a storm and sinks.
1804 – 1805 The cargo’s retrieval is completed. The artifacts from the shipwreck are loaded onboard ship and continue their jouney to England. Block V arrived in London throught Malta.
1801, July 31st. Elgin begins to detach the metopes of the southern side of the Pathenon. Metope 27 is the first one to be removed. The procedure is depicted ans documented by the English painter E. Dodwell, an Eye witness.
“I saw several metopae at the south-east extremity of the temple taken down. They were fixed in between the triglyphs as in a groove; and in order to lift the up it was necessary to throw to the ground the magnificent cornice by which they were covered.”
After its removal from the Parthenon the metope ends up in England in 1802.
1962 The British Museum opens a new room the Duveen Gallery, which houses the sculptures from the Parthenon.
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1 Amazing Disneyland Paris Castle Sleeping Beauty
Disneyland Paris Castle. The Sleeping Beauty Castle, the dragon under the castle, the inside of the castle and the final show.
Disneyland Paris Castle
It’s the central icon of Disneyland Paris and it’s the place where dreams come true.
Don’t miss to see the drago under the castle. Under the castle there is “La Tanière du Dragon” where a monstrous prisoner lurks. Once the ruler of the skies, this defeated dragon lies chained against jagged rocks. It may be dozing, but tread carefully, as one false move will lead to a hot, rumbling surprise;).
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The Lion Gate Mycenae Ruins Ancient Greece
Not far from the Treasury of Atreus or Agamemnon’s Tomb we find the ancient city of Mycenae. The entrance to the city was guaranteed by a very particular door: The Lion Gate Mycenae.
The fortification wall of the Mycenaean acropolis follows the natural contour of the ground and is founded directly on the outcropping bedrock. It is in the shape of a triangle and covers an area of 30,000 sq. m. with a total length of 900 m. It was built in three construction phases.
The oldest fortification, which dates to 1350 BC, contained the highest part of the hill. For the construction of these walls were used boulders of hard limestone bedrock.
The Lion Gate Mycenae
The Lion Gate Mycenae is characterized by a central slab supported by two lateral ones. Rectangular stone rocks are placed one above the other except for the suspended central slab. A pure aesthetic factor?
The heavy stone rocks were not placed on the central slab in order not to weigh it down. There was in fact the risk that otherwise it could be broken. For this reason it was left empty. In order not to leave it completely empty and to complete the work, a decorative plate was placed.
Why is it called Lion Gate?
The Lion Gate Mycenae takes its name from the decorative plate placed on the top of the door. It is called the Lion Gate but it would be more correct to call it the lionesses Gate. The lions on the slab lack the characteristic mane of the lions.
The decorative slab is now partially ruined by time but the 2 lionesses must have originally had their heads turned towards those who entered.
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The Remarkable Epidaurus Theater
For many peoples the main reason to visit the Archaeological Site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus is the Epidaurus Theater.
The Epidaurus Theater is in fact the best preserved monument in the Sanctuary of Asklepios.
Let’s see a few information about the Epidaurus Theater!
How old is the Epidaurus Theater?
The Epidaurus Theater was erected at the end of the 4th century B.C.
Who built the theater of Epidaurus?
According to the ancient traveler Pausanias (2nd century A.D.), it was the work of the architect Polykleitos, who built also the Tholos in the same Sanctuary.
How many people could the original Theatre of Epidaurus seat?
The auditorium of the Theatre the koilon or cavea, consists of two unequal parts, which are divided by a horizontal walkway, known as the diazoma. The lower part is divided by 13 radiating staircases into 12 wedge-shaped segments, the kerkides or cunei, with 34 rows of seats each. At the upper part of the cavea 23 radiating passages divide it into 22 wedge-shaped segments with 20 rows of seats.
To each segment of the lower part correspond two segments of the upper part. The seats of the lowest row were provided with backrests and used as “prohedriae” (front seats of honour); similarly shaped were the seats of the upper part’s first row. Uphill pathways outside the Theatre led on both sides to the horizontal passage which divided the upper from the lower part of the cavea.
It is estimated that the Epidaurus Theater could accommodate 12,000 spectators.
What is remarkable about the theater at Epidaurus?
Epidaurus Theater is a characteristic example of the tripartite structure of Hellenic theatres (orchestra – cavea – stage building). Its original form remained intact in Roman times, during which most Greek theatres underwent major changes. The floor of the circular orchestra (diameter 20 m) is beaten earth. It is outlined in stone,while at its centre a circular base of an altar, the thymele, is preserved. The orchestra is surrounded by a walkway in lower level, which served additionally as a drain for rainwater.
The scene (stage building) in front of the orchestra and the cavea served the needs of the actors and had a parallel use as storage room of theatrical equipment.
The scene building was composed of
- a rectangular oblong hall with two smaller square rooms on each side,
- a proscenium (stage), on whose facade were fixed panels representing the setting of each play,
- two ramps, one on each side, which provided access to the roof of the proscenium for the actors, and
- an upper storey of the scene building, of which no evidence has been preserved.
Scholars estimate that the total height of the stage building was 7.60 m. Spectators entered the Epidaurus Theater through two impressive gate situated on both sides of the stage building, between it an the lower part of the retaining wall of the cavea. The seats of the cavea were made out of local grey at reddish hard limestone while for the stage building a yellow soft limestone was used.
The cavea was constructed at the end of the 4th century B.C. while the stage building was modified during the 2nd century B.C. A characteristic feature of the Theatre was (and still is) its excellent acoustics. It had largely to do with its design. The creation of the circular shape of the cavea was based on three centres. The eight central cunei corresponded to a circumference which had as centre the centre of the orchestra.
The two lateral cunei were designed with different centres, which lay further away from the centre of the orchestra providing thus a larger radius and consequently a larger circle. This”opening” on the edges of the cavea,beside its contribution to acoustics, allowed a better view to those sitting in the lateral cunei.
What was the Theatre of Epidaurus used for?
The Theatre of the Sanctuary was closely connected to the cult of Asklepios.
During the festivals held in honour of the god athletic games, but also musical and dramatic contests took place. The latter were surely housed in the Theatre, where most probably also deep-rooted ceremonies closer connected with the cult took place.
Why is the Theatre at Epidaurus still famous?
Today theatrical plays are again performed in the Epidaurus Theater during the summer (Epidauros festival). The Theatre was excavated in 1881 by P. Kavvadias, who then carried out partial restorations. Restoration works by An. Orlandos took place in the monument in the years 1954-1963.
He proceeded then to a reconstruction of the proscenium, which was later removed.The Committee for the Conservation of the Epidauros Monuments restored the western parodos gate, the last upper western cuneus (1988-1999) and the ancient drains (1992-2007). A third program includes restoration works in the cavea and the stage building.
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Video Verbania Italy Lake Maggiore. Pallanza an adorable town!
Verbania Italy is a beautiful town on the Lake Maggiore. Watch the video!
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Should I cancel a trip to Italy after the Coronavirus outbreak?
March 18th 2020 All Italy is closed till April 3rd…
February 29th 2020
The situation in Italy it’s not so bad as many people may think. It’s true we shouldn’t underestimate the problem but since the first case was discovered authorities acted quickly in order to protect the population. They didn’t cover the problem as other nations did.
Right now there are strong restrictions in the north of Italy and they’ll last till the 3rd of April.
This is not because all the people are sick because the people affected by the virus are few compared to the entire population.
The vast majority of the people in the same areas are very fine and they continue their normally activities. The virus is not very dangerous especially for those who aren’t affected by other diseases.
The strong restrictions are instituted in order to solve the problem very soon.
Should I cancel a trip to Italy?
As I mentioned before many areas are not seriously affected by the virus right now and thanks to the government provision we are sure the situation we’ll be better soon.
For example there isn’t any reason to cancel your trip to Florence, Tuscany, Amalfi Coast and in many other areas.
Anyway wherever you go in Italy or any other country it’s much better if you follow the following main rules in order to avoid to be affected by the virus:
- Wash often your hands
- Avoid to stay inside crowded places
- Avoid to stay close to sick people
After that you should also consider for when your trip to Italy is planned. Is it maybe planned for June or July? If this is the case you have still time to consider better the situation.
Is it for April? You can contact your hotel in Italy to get more information about the situation in the area.
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Ancient Corinth: exciting day trips from Athens
Ancient Corinth is a very good day trip from Athens. From Athens it takes about 1 hour and 15 minuted by car. Ancient Corinth is worthy of a visit for several reasons.
Firstly it’s very interesting in trying to understand the life in the this rich city. It was a very multicultural city because of the Corinth Canal. It’s true it wasn’t navigable till the end of the 1800 so ships had to be transported to the other side and they prefered this option rather than navigate all around the Peloponnese Region. You can see how the Corinth Canal is now, watching the video below:
Ancient Corinth is also linked with the Apostle Paul who lived and preached in the city for several time.
In order to enjoy more the visit we examine a few information about the Ancient Corinth.
What are the characteristics of the Ancient Corinth? What was life like there? You’ll discover it while reading this post.
Outside the walls of Ancient Corinth
Ancient Corinth covered a range of 900 km2 because there wasn’t only the main city but also many smaller settlements.
Already from the 8th c. B.C., it was a rich and a powerful city-state especially due to two ports:
- At Lechaion in the Corinthian Gulf
- At Kenchreai from the side of the Saronic Gulf
Ancient Corinth and its reign
East
The eastern region of Corinthia was relatively underpopulated. The most important settlement of the region must have been Solygeia, close to the modern village Galataki.
North
The most northern settlement of Corinthia was Krommyon, close to the modern village Ayoio Theodoroi. According to myth, this is where Theseus killed the dangerous sow, Phaia.
Corinthian Identity
Corinth consisted of dozens of settlements, small and large. But what did their residents have in common?
These people drew their common descent from the Dorians. And of course, they shared a common language and alphabet.
Ancient Corinth was built at the foot of the Acrocorinth, a majestic hill, dominating the landscape.
The home’s life in Ancient Corinth
In ancient Greece private buildings were usually humble structures unlike many public magnificent constructions.
Households were run by women. They were responsible for raising their children and supervising the slaves, who were given the heaviest duties in the house.
Men were usually absent. mainly occupied with political and professional engagements.
Visiting the Ancient Corinth you easily understand how the women’s habits were very similar to ours. In the museum you can see face care sets, such as profumes and cosmetics, hair accessories and eyebrow tweezers.
Gods Venerating And Heroes
The Corinthians worshiped Aphrodite, Athena, Apollo, Demeter, Kore, Hera and Poseidon. Hero cult was a distinctive aspect of ancient Greek religious life.
Heroes, men who had showed remarkable activity during their lifetime, were honored after their death with rituals performed at their tombs or at an open-air sanctuary. Heroes’ sanctuaries were built along side roads or over older graves.
A temple dedicated to Apollo
The Temple of Apollo is the archaeological site biggest monument. The temple was built in the 6th c. B.C., when Corinth was at its zenith, on the site of an earlier temple. It was constructed from the local poros limestone.
The temple is in Doric order and originally had six columns at each end and fifteen along each side. Notable characteristics of its archaic date include the great length of the temple relative to its width, the large monolithic columns, and the squat, widely flaring capitals. Although most of this mid-6th century B.C. building has been destroyed, the bedrock preserves cut-tings made to receive the foundation blocks and thus allows a reconstruction of the temple’s plan.
The main part of the temple (sekos) was split into two non-communicating rooms. The roof was decorated with colorful architectural elements.
The interior of the temple consists of a porch at either end and a long central part (the cella) divided into two rooms by a cross wall. The traditional reconstruction of the plan makes this cross wall a solid wall and provides access to the western room of the cella through the western door.
The seven standing columns of the Archaic temple are one of the most prominent landmarks of Corinth.
The Acrocorinth: The sanctuary of Demeter and Kore
Demeter and her daughter, Kore or Persephone, were worshiped in a large sanctuary on the northern slope of the Acrocorinth.
In the 4th c. B.C., a small theater was carved into the rock. Three small temples were also built in the Roman Period.
Odeum & theater of Ancient Corinth
The theater was a place in which dramatic and musical events were staged. In the roman period staged fighting was added.
The theater has several phases. The original structure was built late in the 5th c. B.C. and had permanent seats but only a wooden stage building.
This was supplemented with a new orchestra and stage structure in the Hellenistic period.
In later antiquity theatrical tastes changed and the orchestra was converted into a gladiatorial arena.
Ancient Corinth and Cristianity
Ancient Corinth is also important because is linked with apostle Paul’s or Apostle of the Nations. Paul lived and preached in Corinth. When you visit the ancient Corinth you can also see the famous Bema.
This was likely the tribunal were Paul was brought for judgment before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus. He was accused of illegal proselitism and they brought him in the tribunal or bèma.
Because of its position the bema was used to speak to the crowd. Not only the Ancient Corinth has a bema. In the ancient greek cities it was in fact common to meet in front to a Bema.
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What is Montmartre Paris famous for? 3 things you should’t miss!
Montmartre Paris – In the Northern part of Paris there’s the famous neighborhood of Montmartre, also known as the the painter’s neighborhood. Montmartre enjoys considerable fame thanks to the illustrious artists who lived here such as Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec and Picasso.
You should dedicate half a day to Montmartre Paris in order to enjoy the atmoshere and because it’s not very close to the Eiffel Tower. How far is Montmartre from the Eiffel Tower? It takes less than a hour to get to Montmatre but at least 40 minutes by train.
It’s really worthy to visit Montmartre Paris. So what should you see in the Montmartre Paris area? In this post you’ll find 3 things you should’t miss!
What to see in Montmartre Paris
1 – The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur
The particularity of this neighborhood is that it is on a hill. On top of this hill there’s the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur. What makes this Basilica so famous besides its position it is the stone with which it’s made. It has in fact a very light color limestone.
It is easily the first thing you see in the Montmartre area because once out of the subway one of the first things you see is a flight of stairs. You can get to the top of the hill by walking on this flight of stairs. On the top there is the Basilica.
When you arrive near the Basilica you can admire and appreciate all the details of this monument. It has the peculiarity of not retaining the smog. For this reason the rain can clean the Basilica so the Basilica is shinier after a rain.
The Basilica of the Sacre Coeur is also famous because it appears 2 times in the movie “The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie”.
From the square under the Basilica you can admire Paris from above. This is a wonderful balcony on the city, a nice surprise for the tourists visiting the Basilica.
Everything gets even better if you enjoy the view tasting one of the excellent Macarons bought in one of the shops of the area.
2 – The square of the artists
Next to the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, there’s the famous square of the artists. This is the square where you can find painters and other artists who expose and sell their works. If you want you can also ask them to make you a portrait. Thanks to them the square is more colorful and characteristic.
Very enjoyable is also walking through the central streets of Montmartre. You’ll noticed many characteristic restaurants and shops that contribuite to create the unique atmosphere of Montmartre.
3 – Visit the Montmartre Neighborhood
After visiting the Basilica of Sacre Coeur and the square of the artists you can visit something more of the neighborhood. You can visit it on foot but it’s much better if you take the touristic train.
You can get it in the Basilica square. The ticket costs only a few euros and it’ll bring you in all around Montmartre Paris. You’ll pass near the most famous areas of Montmartre. For example it’ll pass in front of the cimitery where are placed the tombs of some famous people who lived in Montmartre.
You should take the touristc train if you want to see Montmartre Paris better without walking too much. You can also see the famous Moulin Rouge safely. You shouldn’t go in the street of the Moulin Rouge on foot because the area it doesn’t seem so safe.
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