Sacred Place as a Trigger: Asclepius Healing Centers from the Perspective of Cognitive Archaeology
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| Year of publication | 2014 |
| Type | Appeared in Conference without Proceedings |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Cognitive archaeology provides a theoretical and methodological framework through which it is possible to grasp the study of sacred places in a whole new way. In particular, the term "extended cognition" will be tested in this study as a new analytical tool for studying the interaction between the place and the human mind. Researchers behind the idea of extended cognition claim that the specific environment and specific way of acting in it shape the cognitive processes. From this perspective, this study will examine the role of Asclepius healing centers in consolidating the memory of the visitors attending the incubation ritual. The hypothesis is that upon arrival to the Asclepius healing center the place triggered a process in the mind of the visitor leading to emotional arousal. Results from neurobiological experiments suggest that emotional arousal in combination with the subsequent sleep in the ancient healing center could lead to a vivid memory of the event. |
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