Digital Maps of the Ancient World

Aceso

Aceso was revered in ancient Greek mythology as the goddess associated with the process of curing sickness and healing wounds.

Statue of Aceso, 2nd c. AD, Dion Archaeological Museum. (c) Carole Raddato

Residence: Mount Olympus
Parents: Asclepius and Epione
Siblings: Aegle, Iaso, Hygeia and Panacea

Unlike her sister Panacea, who symbolized a universal cure for all ailments, Aceso represented the method or journey of healing rather than the ultimate remedy itself. Alongside her father Asclepius, the god of medicine, and her sisters Hygeia, Panacea, and Iaso, Aceso often appeared in Greek sculptural reliefs, embodying the essential aspect of the healing process. It’s noteworthy that her male counterpart was Acesis, emphasizing the balanced and complementary nature of the healing principles within Greek mythology.

Relief of Asclepius and his daughters, including Aceso. (c) Aisha Abdel