ASCLEPION: The ancient city of Pergamum first became famous because of its temple to Aesculapius, the Greek god of healing. It prospered under the famous physician Galen (131-210 CE) who was born here and worked as a physician to the city's gladiators. The grand colonnaded entry to the Asclepion would have been as thronged with visitors seeking healing in ancient times as Lourdes is today.