Stadium at Epidaurus

The stadium was constructed in a natural depression near Epidaurus. The flat land below provided adequate running ground and the slopes allowed spectators to stand and watch. The addition of stone slabs to the slopes for spectator seating is dated to the second half of the 4th century BC, although there is evidence that the stadium had been in use before this time. There were further alterations and improvements added after the slabs. A vaulted underground passage was constructed from the ground-level track to the nearby gymnasium outside of the stadium. The art on the keystones of the passageway shows clear Macedonian influence. The entire passage was built in two stages, each with distinct building techniques. The vaulted part is dated earlier, possibly to the 3rd century BC, while the outer part is dated to the 2nd or even the 1st century BC. Also during the 3rd century, there was construction of a fair-start system on the track field. The running track was 180.13 m long by 21.51 m wide, a normal length for a track during the Hellenistic period. The athletic competitions were held during the festival of the Asclepieia in honor of the ancient Greek god of medicine and healing, Asclepius.