Babylonian Tablets With Magical Incantations
source: Wikimedia Commons
author: Robert Rogers
Description
A black and white photograph shows two aged Babylonian tablets arranged vertically. They bear text running across them, and the bottom tablet appears to have holes in some parts of the text.
Date
Artifact: unknown
Photo: 1908
Information
This photograph displays two ancient Babylonian tablets of unknown date. These tablets are inscribed with magical incarnations and prayers used by physician-priests in ritualistic medical procedures. Ancient Babylonian healthcare revolved heavily around such magical practices and superstitions, though physicians used naturalistic care (such as prescriptions and wound treatment) as well.
Related Articles
Geller, M. J. (2010). Ancient Babylonian medicine: Theory and practice. Chichester, West Sussex, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell.
Oppenheim, A. L., & Reiner, E. (1977). Ancient Mesopotamia: Portrait of a dead civilization. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.