Details:
The Hestiatorion (banquet hall) is located in the archaeological site in Epidaurus and dates from the late 4th or early 3rd century BC.
Information:
The banquet hall offered sacrificial meals relating to the cult of Asklepios around the year 300 BC. The interior courtyard was defined by a colonnade of sixteen Doric columns which adjoin the rooms of the complex. The main entrance to the complex was made via the Propylon. The heavily restored Propylon is located on the northwest side of complex and is pictured in the adjoining photograph. The original Propylon took the form of a temple, with 6 supporting Doric columns. There are two smaller entrances to the complex located on the eastern side, via a service ramp, and on the southeastern side, giving access to a fountain.
The Odeum was a Roman addition to the complex around the 3rd century AD and is located in within the peristyle courtyard of the Hestiatorion. During this time the Propylon was converted into a temple of Hygieia and in front of the Propylon lies a stone alter inscribed with her name.
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The Hestiatorion complex was also designed to include some sort of exercise facility. The ruin was first identified as a gymnasium upon its discovery, as stoas of Hestiatorion’s inner courtyard resembled that of a running track seen in classical gymnasiums.