Epidaurus, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological monuments, is located on the northeastern edge of the Peloponnese, a mere two hours' drive from Athens. During ancient times, the city thrived thanks to the Asklepieion, a hospital where people came to be cured by Apollo.
The shrine and healing center at Epidaurus were widely visited in ancient times due to its reputation as the birthplace of Asclepius the healer, son of Apollo. People from all over Greece and Asia Minor would travel there in the hopes of being healed by god. Each patient would be assigned to a separate bed in a big sleeping hall (enkimeterio), and god Apollo would visit each patient in their dreams as part of the healing procedure. Every morning, patients would report their dreams to the priests of the sanctuary, who would then analyze them, make sense of them, and determine the best course of therapy.