Prosthetics and Assistive Technology in Ancient Greece and Rome

This book is the first comprehensive study of prosthetics and assistive technology in classical antiquity, combining literary, documentary, archaeological, and bioarchaeological evidence to provide a complete picture of their importance for the lived experience of people with disabilities. It covers extremity prostheses, facial prostheses, prosthetic hair, the design, commission, and manufacture of prostheses and assistive technology, and the role of care-givers in the lives of ancient people with impairments and disabilities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking work is the first comprehensive exploration of prosthetics and assistive technology in classical antiquity, drawing upon a wealth of literary, documentary, archaeological, and bioarchaeological evidence to provide a holistic picture of their significance for the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities in this era. Not only does it serve as a valuable contribution to disability history, but it also encompasses medical, scientific, and technological history, making it of interest to scholars from diverse academic disciplines spanning multiple historical periods. The book's chapters delve into various aspects of prosthetics and assistive technology, including extremity prostheses, facial prostheses, prosthetic hair, the design, commissioning, and manufacture of prostheses and assistive devices, as well as the role of care-givers in the lives of ancient people with impairments and disabilities. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the study also includes informative tables that concisely collate the diverse types of evidence, making them readily accessible to readers. This groundbreaking work sheds new light on the historical and cultural perspectives of prosthetics and assistive technology in classical antiquity, offering valuable insights into the lives and experiences of individuals with disabilities in this ancient world.

ISBN-13: 9781009168397