An ancient Greek vase found in the Louvre turned out to be an unexpected source of information about Ancient Greek medicine. Scientists studied it and found it to be the earliest known realistic depiction of medicine.
A unique insight into medical care in ancient Greece comes from an unexpected source: a small vase dating to around 470 BC. e., is currently kept in the Louvre in France. Greekreporter writes that this vase depicts a hospital, making it the earliest known realistic depiction of medical care in Western history.
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In the scene depicted on the vase, a doctor draws blood on a patient surrounded by several people waiting in line for medical attention. Among them is a dwarf with a rabbit on his shoulder, which adds an interesting element. The painting also depicts various medical tools and equipment, such as leeches and a copper basin for collecting blood.
This depiction differs from previous representations of medical care in ancient Greece, which often included divine or religious elements, according to Manolis Stefanakis, co-author of the latest study. Instead, this scene depicts the daily practices of ancient doctors and suggests that treating injuries and drawing blood were common medical procedures at the time.
Stefanakis also sheds light on the social norms surrounding the practice of medicine in ancient Greece, noting that doctors were highly paid and respected people. The inclusion of a dwarf carrying a rabbit may refer to the common practice of giving gifts to doctors.
As a result of careful analysis, researchers obtained valuable information from this ancient work of art. The arrangement of figures, medical instruments, and even the depiction of a genetic disorder known as achondroplasia (the most common form of dwarfism) provide a basic but clear insight into various aspects of medical care in ancient Athens.
Important
Moreover, the vase itself is remarkable in terms of its shape and decorative technique. Its spherical shape, relatively uncommon in Attica of the period, shows the influence of the Corinthian pottery style. In addition, the use of the red figure technique in its decoration adds to its value as a historical artifact.
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Source: Focus
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