13 March 2015
Beliefs surrounding illness and healing in Byzantium stem from the myths, astrology, and magic practiced around the Mediterranean by Jews, Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks. Amulets were widely prescribed, even by medical treatises, against demonic invasion, thought to be a primary cause of illness. One finds green jasper gemstones featuring the solar lion–headed serpent Chnoubis, hematite stones showing Herakles fighting the Nemean lion, and octagonal rings invoking solar symbolism and resurrection and featuring astral lions.
Octagonal Ring Against The Evil Eye, 5th–6th century. Gold. İstanbul Archaeological Museums.
Medicine based on links between the thirty-six astrological decans, parts of the body, plants, animals, and stones was a fundamental element of late antique magic. The biblical king Solomon reigned here, having received a magical seal ring from God to defeat demons, including decans causing bodily harm. The position of the stars and moon played a role in scheduling medications, while the cosmic order served as the model for reestablishing bodily order—health and strength—with amulets.
- Brigitte Pitarakis, curator of Life Is Short, Art Long
Byzantine medical art was grounded in the Greco-Roman medicine transmitted by Hippocrates and Galen and new concepts introduced by such physicians as Oribasios of Pergamon, Aetius of Amida, Alexander of Tralles and Paul of Aegina.
The shrines that created the glory of Constantinople through their lavish beauty were also repositories of precious relics and thus sources of healing.
The Greek god Apollo and his son Asklepios presided over the realm of medicine and healing. Apollo was also the god of light and sun, whose solar symbolism and association with medicine would become linked to Christ the Physician, and the resurrected.
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00 - 19:00
Friday 10:00 - 22:00
Sunday 12:00 - 18:00
The museum is closed on Mondays.
On Wednesdays, the students can
visit the museum free of admission.
Full ticket: 200 TL
Discounted: 100 TL
Groups: 150 TL (minimum 10 people)
