Temple of Aesculapius, Ancient Roman temple on Tiber Island, Italy
The Temple of Aesculapius sits on Tiber Island in Rome and displays typical Roman architecture with columns and a preserved sanctuary space. It functioned as a healing center where physicians and priests worked together to treat visitors who came seeking relief.
The Romans built this temple between 293 and 290 BC in response to a severe plague, after consulting the Sibylline Books for divine guidance. It marked the introduction of the healing god Aesculapius to Rome and became the city's primary healing shrine.
People came here seeking healing through prayer and sacred water, with religious rituals closely tied to medical care. Visitors could participate in ritual bathing and sleep near the temple, hoping for healing dreams that would guide their recovery.
The site is reachable via the Ponte Fabricio bridge, which connects the island to the eastern bank of the Tiber and provides easy access. It sits near other Roman sites, making it a natural stop when exploring the historic areas of the city.
The island's front was reshaped with travertine blocks to resemble a ship, with bow and stern sections still visible today. This unusual feature turned the island itself into a symbol of the healing deity and deepened its spiritual meaning.
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