Programme for the Restoration and Promotion of Monuments in Ancient Epidaurus 2021

''ASCLEPIADES” Non-profit Organisation was founded in 2015 in order to support archaeological and historical research, the restoration of monuments in archaeological sites in the wider area of Ancient Epidaurus, as well as their study, preservation and promotion. In this context, the organisation implemented the three-year programme (2019-2021) “Restoration and Promotion of Monuments in Ancient Epidaurus”, in collaboration with the scientific team of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Ephorate of Antiquities of Argolida, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. The Programme, conducted under the supervision of Professor Emeritus Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, included a series of actions (excavation research and study, restoration of monuments, digital representation and configuration of the archaeological site) with the aim of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the area of Ancient Epidaurus.

The results of the Programme are particularly significant, as north of the theatre of the ancient city they revealed an imposing building of a fountain of classical times and a connected enclosed court (built in the 4th century BC), which in the Roman era acquired a new form with the addition of a stoa (arcade) and a vaulted building. The findings in the fountain – Roman arcade – enclosed court complex indicate the identification of the site with the Temple of Asclepius in the city of Epidaurus mentioned by Pausanias, the tracking of which was one of the main objectives of the Programme. The discovery of a marble statue of a woman with a tunic and robe in a slightly supernatural size within the archaeological site, reinforces the identification of the site with the Temple of Asclepius. The statue, carved in the 1st century AD, was found intact in very good condition and it is speculated that it depicted Epione, wife of Asclepius.

• 12 researchers participated in the 2021 excavations, 3 of which were students of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and 2 of them were students through the Erasmus programme; the students contributed substantially to the discovery, documentation and management of the abundant ceramic findings.