main content

Public evening lecture: Prof-Emer Dr Demetrios Michaelides "Medicine in Cyprus: the archaeological evidence"

Lecture at the annual conference of the “Marburg Talks on Ancient Medicine”

Veranstaltungsdaten

We cordially invite you to the public evening lecture of the 4th annual meeting of the “Marburg Talks on Ancient Medicine”. Prof.-Emer. Dr. Demetrios Michaelides on the topic “Medicine in 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. 

A registration is encouraged, but not mandatory.

For questions and registrations please contact Marta Chervinka (ag-mgah@staff.uni-marburg.de).

The current conference program and further information can be found here.

We look forward to your attendance!