Asclepius facts for kids

Asclepius (sometimes spelled Aesculapius) was a very important figure in Greek mythology. He was a demigod, meaning he was part god and part human. Asclepius was the son of the powerful god Apollo, who was known for many things, including healing. Because of his special parentage, Asclepius became the god of medicine and healing.

Asclepius was often linked to Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian who was famous for his wisdom and skills, including architecture and medicine. Both were seen as great healers in their cultures.

Who Was Asclepius?

Asclepius was taught the art of healing by the wise centaur Chiron. Chiron was a mythical creature, half-human and half-horse, known for his knowledge of medicine, music, and prophecy. Under Chiron's guidance, Asclepius became incredibly skilled in healing all kinds of illnesses and injuries.

His Amazing Healing Powers

Asclepius was so good at healing that he could even bring people back from the dead! This power worried Hades, the god of the underworld, who felt that Asclepius was upsetting the natural order of life and death. Hades complained to Zeus, the king of the gods.

The Wrath of Zeus

Zeus, fearing that Asclepius would make humans immortal, decided to stop him. He struck Asclepius down with a thunderbolt. However, because of Asclepius's great contributions to humanity, Zeus later placed him among the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus, the "Serpent-Bearer."

The Rod of Asclepius

The most famous symbol of Asclepius is a staff with a single snake wrapped around it. This symbol, known as the Rod of Asclepius, is still used today as a symbol of medicine and healthcare around the world. The snake was seen as a symbol of healing and renewal because it sheds its skin.

Temples of Healing

In ancient Greece, many temples were built to honor Asclepius. These temples were called Asclepieions. People who were sick would travel to these temples, hoping to be cured. They would often sleep in the temple, believing that Asclepius would visit them in their dreams and tell them how to get better.

Famous Followers

Many famous healers and doctors in ancient times believed they were descendants of Asclepius. One of the most well-known was Hippocrates, often called the "Father of Medicine." Hippocrates's ideas about medicine were very important and are still studied today.

Images for kids

• 

  Asclepius with features similar to Zeus (from Melos)

• 

  A Roman coin showing Asclepius with Hygieia on one side and Gordian III's portrait on the other (35mm, 28g)

• 

  Asclepius (center) arriving in Kos, greeted by Hippocrates (left) and a citizen (right), a mosaic from the 2nd–3rd century AD

See also

In Spanish: Asclepio para niños