Tombstone of the God Asclepius

Category: Archaeology > Inscription

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Belém > Restelo

Location

The Stele of the God Asclepius is currently housed in the National Archaeology Museum, a highly relevant cultural space located in the historic area of Belém, in Lisbon. This museum, housed in one of the wings of the imposing Jerónimos Monastery, is set in an environment of remarkable heritage and cultural value, which extends throughout the Restelo area. It is a place that allows visitors a deep immersion in history while enjoying the rich surroundings of the Portuguese capital.

A Window into Roman Olisipo

Dated to the 1st century AD, this stele offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient city of Olisipo, Roman Lisbon. Its existence underscores the presence and influence of Roman civilization in this region, revealing aspects of daily life, religion, and public administration of the time. It is a material testament to the complexity of the society that inhabited these lands almost two millennia ago, providing a direct connection to the city's imperial past.

The Inscription to the God of Medicine

This remarkable artefact, carved from marble, measures approximately 0.85 by 0.45 metres. Its importance lies in the clear inscription engraved on it, which is a formal dedication to the God Asclepius, the Greco-Roman deity of medicine and healing. This tribute was made by two priests and by the municipality of Olisipo itself, demonstrating the recognition and practice of Roman cults in the city. The presence of an inscription to Asclepius suggests the existence of healing rituals and the pursuit of physical well-being in the Roman community of Lisbon.

The Return to Light

The discovery of the Stele of the God Asclepius occurred in 1859, during excavations in the heart of the Baixa Pombalina district, on what is now Rua da Prata. This revelation was particularly significant, as the site of its discovery was later identified as part of the cryptoporticus that supported the Forum of the Roman city of Olisipo. Its recovery has allowed archaeologists and historians to reconstruct fragments of the ancient urban structure and religious life of the Roman capital on the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to the vast knowledge of its heritage.