Medicine, Health, and Healing in the Ancient Mediterranean (500 BCE-600 CE): A Sourcebook

This sourcebook provides a comprehensive overview of medicine, health, and healing in ancient Greece and Rome, covering topics such as diagnostic practices, gynecological theories, treatments, physician training, patient experiences, and healing sites. It combines textual sources, artistic materials, scientific evidence, and biomedical remains, offering a nuanced understanding of the illnesses, healers, and practices of the time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

This comprehensive sourcebook offers a detailed exploration of medicine, health, and healing in ancient Greece and Rome. Spanning a wide range of captivating topics, including ancient diagnostic techniques using pulse and urine, gynecological theories of women's illness, treatments involving drugs and surgery, physician training and work, patient experiences, and various healing sites, this volume captivates readers with its rich history of health and healthcare.

The volume brings together a diverse array of textual sources, many of which are previously inaccessible or have been translated into English for the first time. This includes medical treatises, case studies, artistic works, material artifacts, archaeological evidence, biomedical remains, funerary monuments, miracle narratives, spells, and magical recipes.

To enhance accessibility, the volume includes extensive background chapters, introductions to the thematic chapters, a timeline, and a glossary. These resources provide valuable context and facilitate understanding for a broad audience.

Through its comprehensive analysis of these various materials, the volume offers a nuanced understanding of the illnesses people in ancient Greece and Rome experienced, the diverse range of healers they sought assistance from, and the diverse practices they employed to maintain health and well-being.

By delving into the complexities of ancient medicine, health, and healing, this sourcebook provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural contexts of these ancient civilizations. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the fascinating world of ancient medicine and its impact on human society.

Weight: 810g
Dimension: 180 x 255 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520299726