Podalirius was the son of Asclepius, younger brother of Machaon, and grandson of Apollo—
a sacred lineage closely tied to the origins of ancient Greek medicine.
Alongside his brother, Podalirius took part in the Trojan War, as recorded in Homer’s Iliad.
While Machaon was renowned for his skill in treating external wounds and performing surgery, Podalirius was regarded as a master of internal medicine and recovery, symbolizing a holistic and restorative approach to healthcare.
After the war, legend tells that he traveled to the region of Caria (in present-day Turkey), where he healed the local people and was honored with a sanctuary, worshiped as a deity of compassion and restorative medicine.
In ancient Greek art, Podalirius is often depicted alongside Asclepius and Machaon, representing the three pillars of early Greek medicine:
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Asclepius – the power of healing
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Machaon – the skill of surgery
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Podalirius – caregiving and compassion
Today, the figure of Podalirius endures as a symbol of the devoted physician, reminding us that medicine is not only a science, but also an art grounded in empathy and humanity.