Specialisaties in genezingscentra in Klassiek en Hellenistisch Griekenland (ca. 500-200 v.Chr.)

Samenvatting

Specialisation at ancient Greek healing centres (ca. 500-200 BC). Healing centres (asklepieia) in ancient Greece (ca. 500-200 BC) were mainly located well outside densely populated areas such as urban centres and major sanctuaries. The question is why this should be the case. Another research question is whether people travelled to these centres because they specialised in healing particular ailments. From the analysis of votive inscriptions and anatomical votive reliefs it may be concluded that Epidaurus specialised in treating blindness and mental problems, drawing patients from all over Greece; Corinth specialised in curing limbs (mainly hands) female breasts and male genitals; and Athens specialised in curing disorders affecting the torso, eyes and legs. Hence, it is seems that people indeed travelled to specific healing centres in hopes of more effective healing, selecting a healing centre specialised in treating the relevant part of the anatomy.