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Explore mythology and art with information about the classic stories of heroes and gods...from the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, to the legends of the Celts. Mythography presents resources and reference materials about mythology - including recommended books, and lexicons that explain Greek, Roman, and Celtic terms.

Gardner's Art Through the Ages

This book is the classic reference for the study of art. It features a history of artists and their works, as well as lucid and engaging descriptions of the styles and periods of art history. Highly recommended for both students and scholars.

Aphrodite in Art
Aphrodite in Myth
Art Themes

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Asklepios in Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, Asklepios (Asclepius) was the god of healing. He was the son of the Olympian god Apollo and a mortal woman named Coronis.

There is a legend surrounding the birth of Asklepios. According to some ancient sources, Apollo's twin sister Artemis caught the pregnant Coronis having an affair with another man. Artemis punished the betrayal of her brother by killing the woman, but either Hermes or Apollo rescued the unborn child. As an infant, Asklepios was sent to live with the wise centaur Chiron, and in time it was Chiron who taught Asklepios the art of medicine and healing.

Asklepios was married to a woman named Epione, and by her had a pair of sons named Machaon and Podalirius (who, incidentally, were both depicted as physicians in the Iliad of Homer). The god also had a daughter - Hygeia, the goddess who personified health. In mythology and art, Asklepios was symbolized by the snake, and indeed, this creature was commonly associated with the god in cult and ritual. It was also believed that Asklepios took the shape of a snake on occasion.

Although Asklepios was a god, there is a tradition in myth that he died. For it was believed that the god of healing dared to use his powers to bring a human back to life. Zeus, the ruler of the Greek gods, reacted to this action by striking Asklepios with a thunderbolt.

Asklepios was known as Aesculapius in Roman mythology.

Asklepios in Art History

Gallery | For pictures and information about Asklepios in art, visit the Mythography gallery!

Who's Who in Classical Mythology This book is a great source for information about Greek and Roman mythology! Organized alphabetically, this who's who features information about over 1200 of the most intriguing characters from Classical myth and legend.	Bulfinch's Mythology The stories of Classical myth come to life in Bulfinch's book. This edition also features legends from other cultures.	Mythography Forums Do you have a specific question about Greek, Roman, and Celtic mythology? Then try the Mythography forum!