Women's diseases in Ancient Greek Art

• Published in: The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care Vol. 17; p. S144
• Main Authors: Laios, K, Tsoucalas, G, Kousoulis, A, Karamanou, M, Androutsos, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Carnforth Taylor & Francis Ltd 01-06-2012
• Subjects: Archaeology; Disease; Greek civilization; Womens health
• ISSN: 1362-5187; 1473-0782

Female figures depicting the characteristics of various diseases constitute a special topic of ancient Greek art. Having in mind the necessity that the rest of the archeological information and the culture at the time of their creation allow this type of interpretation, we can consider as unquestionable the representations of women suffering from dwarfism (asymmetrical and symmetrical), kyphosis, goitre, hyperthyroidism, acromegaly, paresis-paralysis, tuberculosis, inguinal hernia, arthritis, breast cancer, obesity (android, gynoid, steatopygia). More probable can be considered the representations of women suffering from epilepsy, leprosy and ascites. All this material consists mainly of terracotta figurines dated from the Neolithic period to the late Roman times. Some of them were used as votives in the shrines of God-healers. Others, found in Smyrna, served as educational models in the ancient medical school of the city. But most are considered as realistic portraits. However, their greatest value is the actual view that they give us about the diseases faced by the ancient Greek physicians. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]