Asclepius - Greek / Roman god of Medicine and healing. Amulet & necklace

Asclepius - God of Medicine & Healing

Dimensions of necklace amulet-

- Height - 3.5 cm / 1 - 3/8 inches

-Width - 3cm / 1 - 1/8 inches

Strand length - 43 cm / 17 inches

Diameter of large amulet - 4.5 cm / 1 - 3/4 inches

* Combined postage offered
* Excess postage always refunded.

Available here is a fine miniature amuletic necklace and an amulet displaying the features of Asclepius. The necklace depiction shows this legendary healer holding his staff of miraculous healing entwined with the sacred snake of Epidauros. This staff is also shown on the larger amulet behind his head. Both show his long curled hair is held in place with a distinctive headband.

These pieces are made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone used for fine museum replicas. The necklace amulet is threaded onto a length of plaited leather with silver clasps and they have colours of aged ochre.

Background information - Asclepius was the Greek God of medicine and was revered by commoners, Kings and Emperors alike as the greatest of all healers. He was the son of Apollo - God of prophecy and the lake nymph Cronis.

Evidence suggests Asclepius was a healer from Thessaly whose skills became known throughout Greece. his cult eventually took over the sanctuary at Epidauros in the Peloponnese. Sacred snakes lived in and around this sanctuary and were believed to possess the healing powers of Asclepius and were incorporated into his imagery that can be seen in this amulet. The ancients formed an association with snakes and medicine based on observations of how the snake was able to shed its' skin and appear to regenerate.

The Romans were so impressed with the worship of Asclepius that during a time of plague they requested aid from the sanctuary of Epidauros and a sacred snake was shipped to Rome for ritual use.