In 293 B.C., Rome experienced a period of pestilence which prompted Romans to import from Greece the worship of Aesculapius. The cult was brought incarnated as harmless serpents. Legends claim that a serpent fell in the Tiber and chose the Insula Tiberina for its sacred abode. Two years later, a temple dedicated to Aesculapius opened its doors. Since then, (293 B.C.) the site has a connection with Medicine. The building seen is a hospital.