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Current events hosted by our institute
04.07.2025
Prof.-Emer. Dr. Demetrios Michaelides: Medicine in ancient Cyprus: the archaeological evidence
Abstract:
The association of ancient Cyprus and Medicine derives mainly from the writings of Dioscorides, Pliny the Elder, and Galen, who make frequent references to the island’s plants and minerals, and their use in the preparation of medicaments. On the other hand, mention of Cypriot doctors in the ancient sources is very limited with the glowing exception of Apollonios of Kition and Zenon the Cypriot.
Since the 1960s, however, archaeological discoveries, dating mainly to Imperial times, have changed this picture drastically. These reflect an island with an active medical community, very much up-to-date with contemporary Roman practices. The paper will examine some of this evidence, which includes a number of particularly rare items. Amongst other groups of finds, surgical instruments, hot-water bottles, medicaments, ex-votos and prophylactic amulets will be discussed. The paleopathological study of skeletal remains will not be discussed.
Start: 18:30 Uhr
Location: DSA | Forschungszentrum Deutscher Sprachatlas, Pilgrimstein 16, 35032 Marburg
12.10.2025
Anniversary symposium: 60 years Roter Graben 10
The Institute of the History of Pharmacy was founded 60 years ago under the direction of Prof Dr Rudolf Schmitz. A research and training centre whose tradition of training and promoting future pharmaceutical historians continues to this day. In addition, its expertise was even expanded to include the field of medical history in 2023.
To mark the anniversary, the Institute of the History of Pharmacy and Medicine and the institute's Friends' Association invite you to Marburg to review the past and get to know the current young academics and their work. You can expect a diverse programme of lectures on various topics as well as a reading.
Begin: 10 o'clock s.t.
Location: The exact location in Marburg will be announced in due course.
In case you are interested, we are glad to welcome you to our event and kindly ask you to register via email at IGPhMMR@uni-marburg.de until 14 September 2025.
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