Text and photos by our correspondent from Didim, Jay Jean Jackson.

The cave at Miletus, which is underneath the theatre, is an ancient sanctuary dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. There is evidence to suggest it could have been used as a healing sanctuary during ancient times dedicated to Asclepius, a demigod of medicine and healing, and the son of Apollo.

Although the cave was well known, it was not until 2013 when excavation and clearance work was carried out by Philipp Niewöhner that its function was understood. It had been sealed in the 5th century CE, in order to protect the sacred spring and other artefacts after the emperor Theodosius passed an edict banning all Pagan rites and sacrifices.

The excavations revealed many artefacts including a black marble Asclepius sceptre, with a snake's body coiled around it, a symbol still used by some modern medical institutions today. Some terracotta figurines, finger fragments, and 44 antique lamps were also found, along with kitchenware and amphorae. Many of these artefacts, as well as some mutilated marble heads from the theatre's stage, had been buried. This was to preserve and protect them from further destruction.

The internment of these items and the sacred spring had a covering of roof tiles, which was curious, as modest graves during this era were also covered with roof tiles and very often contained lamps that had been used in burial ceremonies. However, there is no substantial evidence to suggest this was its purpose, as it seems only finger fragments and limbs were discovered.

During a recent visit to the site with a companion, we observed many animal bones in the pit of the sacred spring. This suggests that sacrifices were performed there. Considering the other artefacts found, it seems the cave may have been an Asclepieia, a healing sanctuary where pilgrims sought spiritual and physical restoration through ritual bathing, dream incubation, and medicinal plants.

The ritual of healing in the sanctuary would begin with a purification ceremony in which pilgrims would cleanse themselves before making any offerings, which would include money, frankincense, laurel, olive shoots and animals. In fact, it is said that Asclepius would accept almost any offering as a form of payment for people wanting to seek a cure for their ailments.

After the sacrifices were made, the patient would stay overnight in the sanctuary's holiest area, the abaton, in which they hoped for a dream that would reveal a divine cure. This was known as "dream therapy" in which Asclepius would appear in a vision to diagnose their illness and provide a remedy. The dreams would be interpreted by priests, who would instruct the patients of the right therapy. Cures included sacred dogs licking the wounds of the sick, medicinal herbs and healing rituals using non-venomous snakes.

It seems incredible that the secrets of this cave have lain hidden for approximately 1500 years, especially as it would seem it was well known. I wonder how many more mysteries will be unearthed in and around this wonderful city, that give us such a rich history and insight into how ancient civilisations lived.