Asclepius Cult in Smyrna

According to pausanias cult of asklepios has been brought to smyrna from pergamon and an asklepieion was founded near the sea in the city. famous orator aelius aristides who spent most of his time in the city also mentions the temple of asklepios, one of the gods he consulted the most. according to literary and epigraphic sources one of the most important cults in the city is of asklepios, god of medicine and health. during recent years important findings related to the cult of asklepios or health has been recovered from the excavations in the agora of smyrna and palaia smyrna in bayraklı. in this study our knowledge of the cult of asklepios will be re-evaluated in the light of archaeological evidence recovered from the excavations at palaia and nea smyrna.