Asclepius
/əˈskliː.pi.əs/noun
The Greek god of medicine and healing.
Did you know?Asclepius was worshipped in healing sanctuaries where patients slept in sacred incubation rites, hoping the god would send a curative dream or omen.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek (mythic era)
Greek
Ἀσκληπιός (Asklēpios)
“Name of the healing god invoked in sanctuaries and healing rites”
Classical Greek
Greek
Ἀσκληπιεῖον (Asklēpieion)
“A temple or healing shrine dedicated to Asclepius”
Late Latin
Latin
Aesculapius
“Latin form of the god’s name, used by Roman writers”
Modern English
English
Asclepius
“The Greek god of medicine and healing”