Kos - Greece - part 2

 This is part two of a page on the island of Kos, Greece.

Part 1 is here:

• Kos- Greece Part 1

Such a beautiful place.

And full of history too.

Also known as Cos, it is an island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and is part of Greece. The island has a rich history that dates back to ancient times.

In Greek mythology, Kos is said to have been ruled by the demigod Asclepius, the son of Apollo, who was known for his healing abilities. Asclepius is said to have established a medical school on the island, which became famous throughout the ancient world.

In the 5th century BC, Kos became part of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens. During this time, Kos was a prosperous trading center and home to many famous philosophers, including Hippocrates, who is known as the father of modern medicine. Hippocrates established the Hippocratic School of Medicine on Kos, which became a center for medical education and research.

During the Hellenistic period, Kos was controlled by various Greek kingdoms, including the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt and the Seleucid Empire of Syria. In the 2nd century BC, the island came under Roman rule and remained part of the Roman Empire until the 4th century AD.

During the Byzantine era, Kos was an important center of Christianity and was home to several churches and monasteries. In the 13th century, the island was conquered by the Venetians and later by the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.

This is part of the Ancient Agora of Kos.

It's a well-preserved archaeological site located in the heart of the modern town of Kos .

The agora was the central marketplace and civic center of the ancient city of Kos, and it played a crucial role in the social and economic life of the city.

The agora was built in the 3rd century BC and was in use until the 6th century AD. It covers an area of approximately 50,000 square meters and is surrounded by a colonnade of Doric columns. The colonnade provided shade for the vendors and shoppers who visited the agora, and it also served as a gathering place for citizens to discuss politics and other issues.

The agora features several notable buildings, including the Temple of Hercules, which dates back to the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to the mythological hero. The temple was later converted into a Christian church in the 5th century AD.

Another prominent building in the agora is the Bouleuterion, which was the meeting place of the city council. The Bouleuterion was a large rectangular building with a tiered seating area and a central podium for speakers.

Visitors to the Ancient Agora of Kos can explore the ruins of the marketplace and buildings, including the columns and walls that remain standing. The site is open to the public and is a popular destination for tourists interested in ancient Greek history and architecture.

The Asklepieion of Kos is an ancient healing center located on a hillside about 3 km southwest of the town of Kos, on the island of Kos, Greece. It was one of the most important sanctuaries of Asclepius, the god of healing, in the ancient world. The Asklepieion was founded in the 4th century BC and was in use until the 7th century AD.

The Asklepieion consists of several buildings and structures, including temples, altars, and therapeutic buildings. The main temple of Asclepius was the most important building in the complex, and it was surrounded by a large courtyard where patients could receive medical treatment and participate in healing rituals.

Patients who visited the Asklepieion would go through a process of purification before being admitted to the sanctuary. Once inside, they would be treated with various methods, including herbal remedies, physical therapy, and even dream interpretation. The priests of Asclepius, known as the Asklepiades, would diagnose and treat patients, and they were known for their medical expertise.

The Asklepieion of Kos is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful location, overlooking the sea and the town of Kos. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins of the various buildings and structures, including the impressive columns and arches of the main temple. The Asklepieion is open to the public and is a popular destination for tourists interested in ancient Greek history and medicine.

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