The complex of the Asklepieion, in the centre of Messene, is described by Pausanias as a sanctuary with many statues of gods and heroes. An orthogonal area is bordered by four double stoas: the eastern one includes the Ekklesiasterion or Odeon, the Propylon, the Synedrion or Bouleuterion and the hall of the Archive of the Secretary of the Synedroi (representatives). The western wing housed a series of rooms (oikoi); inside them stood statues of Appolo and the Muses (Oikos Ξ), Hercules, Thebes and Epaminondas (Oikos N), Tyche (Fortune) (Oikos M), and Artemis Phosphoros [the light bearer] (Oikos K). The northern wing was dominated by the large building of the Sebasteion or Caesareum, dedicated to the worship of the Roman Emperors and Rome. In the centre of the Asklepieion’s atrium the doric temple of Asklepios and his altar were founded. The god was worshipped here as the primogenitor of the Messenians.

The complex is dated to 215/214 BC and is associated with the Messenians’ efforts to project their identity and their ancestry. In the same location pre-existed a 7th/ 6th cent BC sanctuary, which was incorporated in the urban plan after the foundation of the city in 369 BC.