The exhibition “HYGIEIA. Health, Illness, Treatment from Homer to Galen” shown at the Cycladic Art Museum, Athens from November 19, 2014 until May 31, 2015, will provide an overview of the evolution of ancient healing practices, examining the transition from magic-religious healing to rational, scientific medicine, covering the period from approximately 1200 BC to the 3rd century AD.
Some 300 ancient artifacts from 41 Greek and European museums will be on display into the exhibition’s three thematic sections: Health, Illness and Treatment. How did ancient Greeks care for their nutrition and bodies? How did they address the issue of public health? What would an athlete do if he got injured 2.500 years ago? Were there any surgical tools? How did they use opium and other pharmaceutical substances and herbs?
The exhibition is curated by Prof. Nicholas Chr. Stampolidis (Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art) and Yorgos Tassoulas (Curator of Antiquities, Museum of Cycladic Art).