Ancient Medicine in Translation

This course serves as both a discussion section for the lectures and secondary literature readings in “Medicine in the Ancient World” as well as the primary context in which we will read and discuss ancient texts in translation. Although these primary documents in translation will be in a number of different ancient genres, including diagnostic texts and therapeutics prescriptions, we will also look at letters, law codes and mythological texts that are relevant to ancient medicine. No knowledge of ancient languages or writing systems is required, although we will occasionally look at selected passages in transliteration and translation. The bulk of the class will, however, focus on texts in English translation. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course in combination with “Medicine in the Ancient World” as a single module. This course will be taught in English.