Epidaurus Ancient Stadium

Location: Ancient Site

The Ancient Stadium of Epidaurus, Peloponnese: The Ancient Stadium of Epidaurus is located next to the Sanctuary of Asklepius. It was constructed in the 5th century B.C. to host the nude athletic games. These games were hosted every four years to honor Asklepius, the god of healing. The participants and spectators were at their majority pilgrims at the sanctuary.

At first, in the 5th century B.C., the stadium had no seats and the spectators were standing, but in the late 4th century B.C. seats from limestone were constructed. Today the long corridor of the stadium, few columns from the entrance gate and some seats on the left and the right side of the stadium. Such stadiums are very frequent in Greek archaeological sites as many athletic festivals used to take place to honor the gods.