Embedded Files
Biblical References
Biblical References
Acts 21:1
Acts 21:1
Cos is mentioned only once in the Acts narrative. It appears as first in a list of places marking the route of Paul's journey from Miletus to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1-15), part of the so-called third missionary journey. Paul had addressed the elders of the church in Ephesus, at Miletus, but now had his sights firmly fixed on Jerusalem
The brief reference says that from Cos they sailed - the next day - to Rhodes. This suggests a stay of one night only.
Other References
Other References
1 Maccabees 15:23 notes that Cos was one of a number of cities which received a letter indicating the support of the Roman republic for Jewish leaders in their struggle for control over Palestine in the inter-testamental period.
Visiting the Site
Visiting the Site
Kos, the modern spelling for the island and its main port, is a beautiful harbour town which preserves much of its ancient past. A walking tour of the town can take in the tree under which Hippocrates (sometimes called the father of modern medicine) taught, and various remnants of the Roman period.
The signature site of Kos is, however, the great Asclepion - the healing centre dedicated to the god Asklepios. Hire a scooter or take a taxi to visit this extensive and impressive location.
I was able to visit Kos in October 2014: a trip which included Rhodes and locations in western Turkey. An account of that journey is available here.
Click here for a Google Earth view of Cos. The Asklepion is in the hills inland from the harbour.
The Harbour of Cos
The Harbour of Cos
A very picturesque small harbour busy with sea traffic, just as it would have been in Paul's day.
School of Hippocrates
School of Hippocrates
At this location is a very large, very old, plane tree. It is said to be the very tree, in the shade of which, Hippocrates taught his students.
Roman Odeon of Cos
Roman Odeon of Cos
The Odeon has been heavily reconstructed.
Below left: The Odeon of Cos
Photo: 18 October 2014
Decumanus Maximus
Decumanus Maximus
Across the modern road from the Odeon is a section of the main east/west road of the Roman city's grid layout. It is a pleasant shady walk west to the other remnants of Roman life in Kos.
Above right: Looking east on the Decumanus Maximus of ancient Cos
Photo: 18 October 2014
Ancient Gymnasium
Ancient Gymnasium
A number of ruins are clustered along a north/south corridor at this point. The gymnasium is but one of them.
Below left: Columns of the gymnasium of Cos
Photo: 18 October 2014
Asclepion of Kos
Asclepion of Kos
An extensive site covering something over two hectares of a north east facing slope, about four kilometres south west of the harbour.
There are not many 'standing' ruins but the massive steps and the sheer size of the site give an indication of the importance of this 'healing centre' in the ancient world.
Above right: From the lower to the middle level of the Asclepion of Cos
Photo: 18 October 2014
Archaeological Museum of Kos
Archaeological Museum of Kos
Unfortunately the museum was closed on the day of my visit. Another time, perhaps??
Google Sites
Report abuse