Ancient Mesopotamian Medicine

Abstract

Ancient Mesopotamia, once home to several powerful states with an enormous political as well as cultural influence, was particularly remembered in Classical sources and the Old Testament for her great proficiency in the fields of astronomy and divination. By contrast, the medical knowledge of the ancient Babylonians seems to have enjoyed very little appreciation, if we take into account one remark of Herodotus. The 5th century BC Greek historian mentions as one of the outstanding features of Babylonia alongside the Tower of Babel and the Hanging Gardens of the city, the complete lack of medical care and physicians.