Detail of a Corinthian capital with carved acanthus leaves at Kos Asclepion

A magnificent Corinthian capital from the Kos Asclepion stands against the blue sky of the Aegean Sea. The acanthus leaves carved in stone show the refinement of classical Greek art, with volutes elegantly curling at the corners. This type of architectural decoration, typical of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, testifies to the importance and wealth of the Asclepius sanctuary, which attracted the sick and pilgrims from throughout the Greek world. The Corinthian capitals of the Kos Asclepion are among the best preserved from antiquity and represent an exceptional example of Greek temple architecture.

Asclepion, Kos, capital, Corinthian, acanthus, Greek architecture, column