Votive Relief to Asclepius
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Votive Relief to Asclepius
A votive relief in clay to Asclepius by Cutius from Gaul in return for restoring his hearing. (1st century AD). In the Greco-Roman world, where it was believed that some gods were responsible for ill-heath, the sick and their families appealed for help to Asclepius, the most famous god of healing. His major sanctuary was at Epidaurus and, in Rome, the Asklepeion Sanctuary on the island of Tiburina in the Tiber. Here there were facilities for the treatment of illnesses. The sick and their families came to the temple with their votive offerings either in gratitude or in supplication, often in the form of a small replica of a body part. Many anatomical votives have been discovered on the Tiburina island
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9245225
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Asclepius Deafness Ears Greece Hearing Illness Offering Roman Rome Sanctuary Sickness Aesculapius Anatomic Asklepion Epidaurus Ex Voto Faith Healing Greco Roman Tiber Votive
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a remarkable votive relief dedicated to Asclepius, the renowned god of healing in the Greco-Roman world. Crafted by Cutius from Gaul during the 1st century AD, this clay relief symbolizes an extraordinary act of faith and gratitude. In ancient times, when people believed that certain gods were responsible for illnesses, those afflicted sought solace and assistance from Asclepius. His sanctuary at Epidaurus was highly revered, while in Rome, the Asklepeion Sanctuary on Tiburina Island served as a haven for treatment. The sick and their families would visit these temples with offerings known as votives. These offerings could take various forms but often included small replicas of body parts affected by illness or injury. This particular votive represents a touching gesture made by Cutius to express his profound appreciation for having his hearing restored. The discovery of numerous anatomical votives on Tiburina Island attests to the prevalence of this practice among devotees seeking divine intervention for their ailments. Each offering carried immense symbolic value and represented both supplication and thanksgiving. Through this powerful image captured by Science Photo Library, we are transported back in time to witness not only the artistic beauty but also the deep faith placed in Asclepius' ability to heal. It serves as a reminder of humanity's enduring belief in miracles and our eternal quest for physical well-being through spiritual means.
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