Disability in Antiquity

This volume is a significant contribution to the field of disability history in the ancient world, with contributions from leading international scholars examining deformity and disability from various historical, sociological, and theoretical perspectives. It includes a broad range of pieces on ancient Western Asia, providing a comprehensive and comparative view of the topic and fostering new avenues of thought and research.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 490 pages
Publication date: 30 June 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking volume is a significant contribution to the field of disability history in the ancient world, encompassing a wide range of perspectives from esteemed international scholars. Through a diverse array of historical, sociological, and theoretical lenses, the contributions examine the complexities of deformity and disability, as they are represented in various forms of media. Rather than limiting itself to a narrow view of 'antiquity', the volume offers a comprehensive and comparative perspective on the topic, encompassing a substantial number of pieces on ancient Western Asia. This comprehensive approach allows scholars to gain a holistic understanding of disability in the ancient world, enabling them to explore this important subject from multiple angles.

Disability in Antiquity serves as a pioneering multidisciplinary volume, pioneering the exploration and mapping of disability in the ancient world. By offering a rich tapestry of perspectives, it creates new avenues for thought and research, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of this complex and multifaceted topic.

The volume begins by providing an overview of the historical context in which disability was perceived and understood in the ancient world. Scholars explore the cultural, social, and political factors that shaped attitudes towards disability, as well as the medical and therapeutic practices that were employed to manage or alleviate it. This introductory chapter sets the stage for the subsequent chapters, which delve deeper into specific aspects of disability.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the representation of disability in art and literature. Scholars examine the ways in which artists and writers depicted individuals with disabilities, and the implications of these representations for understanding disability in the ancient world. They analyze the visual cues, symbolic meanings, and narrative tropes used to convey disability, and consider how these representations shaped public perception and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities.

Another important aspect of the volume is the exploration of the social and political implications of disability. Scholars examine how individuals with disabilities were marginalized, excluded, or discriminated against in ancient societies, and the ways in which they resisted or challenged these practices. They explore the role of disability in shaping social hierarch.

Weight: 970g
Dimension: 173 x 246 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367518042