Worshipping Artemis and Hera: The Healing Landscape of Ancient Greece

• Authors: Senkova Michaela
• Languages of publication: CS

Abstracts

EN

This paper arises from the socio‑cultural norms about female biology that are evident in the Greek medical theories and discusses what measures women could take in response to the concerns presented by them. Taking the viewpoint of individuals as ‘consumers’ of healing, it examines healing opportunities within the shrines of Artemis and Hera. Artemis and Hera are well known to us for their association with women, their biological and social maturation, and, consequently, conception, pregnancy and childbirth. A significant body of evidence potentially indicating a concern for female health exists in their sanctuaries, typically in the form of votive offerings. Did all the sanctuaries of Artemis and Hera offer protection for gynaecological problems? Did the two goddesses offer the same level of protection? Was this protection subject to regional variation? Investigating votives dedicated to the two deities, this paper surveys ways in which the healing landscape of ancient Greece may have functioned in regard to female patients. Evidence from major sites in Attica, the Peloponnese and Asia Minor is brought together to allow a better comparison of customs.

Keywords

EN

Artemis; Hera; reproduction; childbirth; ancient medicine; ancient cult; Ancient Greece; woman

Discipline

• ANTHROPOLOGY: ANTHROPOLOGY

• Publisher: Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Arts, Czech Republic
• Journal: Studia Hercynia
• Year: 2016
• Volume: 20
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 30-39

Contributors

author

Senkova Michaela

• University of Leicester, School of Archaeology and Ancient History