PLX Academy · News · 30 April 2022
There is evidence that since antiquity, doctors were adored and celebrated by their patients receiving presents as an expression of gratitude. People who suffered from illnesses traveled long distances to be cured by the deity. Over the years, the“holy men” at the site began using herbs, cleansing rituals, and other techniques that transformed the treatment from divine to scientific. The knowledge developed became the basis for future medical innovations. It helps influence physicians’ way of thinking and practice of medical healing as well as patients’ satisfaction and overall health status.
An extraordinary piece of a marble face inserted into a niche on a limestone pillar was given as a gift to Asclepius–Greek God of medicine from a satisfied patient. Namely, Asclepius had successfully treated and healed the wife of the very famous ancient sculptor Praxis, who was suffering from an eye disease. A part of the marble face that was found together with the pillar in 1876 on the south slope of the Acropolis is currently exhibited on display at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
