In the 3rd century BC, a delegation of Roman elders sailed to Epidaurus in Greece to visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius. A plague was devastating Rome, and in desperation they sought to secure a statue of the God of Healing, Asclepius – known as Aesculapius in Roman.
Instead, on arrival, a snake slithered onto their ship. Taking that as a positive omen, they returned to Rome and built a temple in the spot where the snake disembarked. The plague abated, and the snake was subsequently heralded.
As a result, these snakes, which are harmless to humans, were distributed across the Roman Empire, being released in temples where they might bring blessings of health and medicine.
It is possible that Aesculapian snakes (Zamenis longissimus) were brought to the British Isles during the Roman occupation, but the two populations that exist today have more recent origins. Escapes from the Welsh Mountain Zoo have seen the establishment of a colony in Colwyn Bay where they seek shelter and safe hibernation in lofts and wall cavities.
The origin of the snakes that live in London, particularly Camden and Regent’s Park, is less certain, but sightings have been made for nearly 50 years. They can reach two metres in length and feed primarily on rodents.
Their future is uncertain, not least due to inbreeding depression, which will likely occur without fresh genetic intervention. The snakes will long survive as emblems, however. The Staff of Aesculapius, entwined with a snake, is the symbol of at least 80 health organisations worldwide.
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Top image: Aesculapian snake. (Credit: Michel Luquet / Getty Images)
