The sanctuary and the ritual

Sanctuaries of Asclepius were most often situated outside or on the outskirts of cities – often in proximity to rivers or the sea. The separation of the sanctuary not only provided isolation for infectious diseases but equally a tranquil environment to assist the healing process.

Water played a major role in the cult, with a fresh water source being present at all sites. However, the essential part of the healing rite was the sleep in which the god would appear in a dream, perform cures or suggest remedies.

Once arrived at a sanctuary, the worshipper would offer up a sacrifice, and afterwards a healing fee would be deposited with the temple priests. The temple above the theatre is undoubtedly the one dedicated to Asclepius; certainly it predates any other structure found in the sanctuary area. The shrine-like building next to the theatre has for long been interpreted as serving this function but may rather be a treasury; that is, were the wealth and valuable objects of the cult were stored. Indeed, one whole and one partial strongbox (thesauros) still exist within the treasury building.

The participant would then wash in a ritual of cleansing, and offer up cakes to Mnemosyne (the goddess of memory who would assist him in remembering his dream). At Butrint a source of fresh water would have been available from the so-called well at the foot of the acropolis hill. Rather than a proper well, recent investigations have revealed the structure to be more akin to a cistern, gathering water and leading it off the hillside.

In the evening the patient would enter the incubation room (the abaton or enkoimeterion) – the most sacred room where the worshipper in sleep would come into contact with the god. The portico or stoa-like structure alongside the well may originally have served as the incubation room, as suggested by its elevated position and its proximity to a water source.

The theatre served not only for public entertainment, but would have been an integral part also of the cult. Here hymns to the god, declarations of healing and sacred performances could take place. The building, with a columned peristyle court, to the east of the theatre remains enigmatic. It may have served as a dwelling for the priests of Asclepius or as a hostel for the relatives of the sick seeking a cure.

The terracing of the area with the theatre and treasury building below and the temple and portico/stoa above, indicates a two-tier division of the sanctuary space – a symbolic division between public activities and sacred activities.

 

• The Sanctuary of Asclepius
• The healing god Asclepius
• The sanctuary and the ritual
• QTVR of the Sanctuary

The sanctuary strongbox
A complete strongbox was found in the treasury building made from two large pieces of stone, hollowed to function like a lidded box.
The upper part has a small opening on the upper side leading into the hollow interior. Into this coins would have been introduced as an offering to the god.
Using lifting machines, the priests would raise the upper part and collect the payments made.
In fact, the threshold of the main room of the treasury contains a double row of holes for the insertion of posts, suggesting that the entire building could be locked.
The wealth of the sanctuary would have been safely kept here, as well as the more precious or not frequently used sacred objects of the cult.