Medicine in Homer

Gripping and meticulously researched, Medicine in Homer by Eric L. Altschuler reorients the way we read the Iliad and the Odyssey by tracing medicine’s presence at the heart of Homeric narrative. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient Greeks understood wounds, healing rites, and the role of divine intervention in care, this study brings the classical world vividly to life.

Altschuler combines close readings of Homeric passages with contextual knowledge of ancient Greek medical practice to reveal a complex interplay of ritual, practical skill, and belief. Expect lucid explanations of battlefield triage, descriptions of treatments and herbs, and the social status of healers—framed for both specialists and curious readers. The book situates Homeric medicine within the broader Mediterranean and classical studies tradition, making it especially valuable for students, scholars, and history-minded clinicians exploring the origins of Western medical thinking.

Readable yet scholarly, this volume enriches classroom discussion and personal study alike. It illuminates how scenes of suffering and cure in Homer informed later Greek medicine, offering new perspectives for courses in classics, history of medicine, and comparative literature. Clear prose, rigorous citations, and thoughtful interpretation make it a reliable reference for research and teaching.

Perfect for readers in Greece, the UK, the US, and across Europe and the Mediterranean academic community, Medicine in Homer by Eric L. Altschuler is an essential addition to any collection on Homeric studies or ancient medical history. Add it to your cart to deepen your understanding of the classical roots of healing.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.