Epidauros, situated on the Peloponnesus peninsula, is dedicated to Asclepius. To the ancient Greeks he was the God of Medicine. A son of Apollo, he was given the healing gift after his mother died at his birth. From the 4th century BC, Epidauros became widely known as a sanctuary to Asclepius. There were temples and hospitals here, and people from as far as Rome to seek help. Treatments included licks from snakes. Also, every four years the Festival of Asclepieia took place at Epidaurus.