Ancient Greek Instruments HNAM Athens

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Ancient Greek Surgical Instruments Set

Set of ancient greek medical instruments in a wooden case, 3rd to 1st cent. AD (replicas). The originals of the instruments are presented in the National Hellenic Archeological Museum in Athens, Greece.

Close upper view to the set of ancient greek medical instruments in a wooden case, 3rd to 1st cent. AD (replicas).

Upper view to the set of the ancient greek medical instruments replicas. Inscription on the lead in Greek and English of the official museum store

Tooth forceps for tooth extraction. Nr. 44 (Λ332) in the HNMA Instrument description

Spoon for preparing and taking medicines. Nr. 63 (Λ109) in the HNMA Instrument description

Double hook has a relief of animal head at the upper end. It was used for the tissue retraction or extracting of the pieces of tissues. Nr. 12 (Λ253) at the display of the HNAM, Athens, Greece

Surgical grasping forceps with teeth on the working tips. It was used for grasping, holding and removing tissues without delicate handling and considerable pulling force.

Characteristics of the object

Museum EuroMedSim Museum of Medicine

Type

Instrument Instrument Set

Country

Greece

City

Athens

Period

15 C. & before

Specialty

Archeology Military Surgery Trauma Urology

Material

Ebony Mahogany Steel

Size6.7x26.7x12.3 cm (LxWxD)

Art.Nr.EMS-M-126-1029-11

Ancient Greek Surgical Instruments Set

Set of ancient greek medical instruments in a wooden case, 3rd to 1st cent. AD (replicas). The originals of the instruments are presented in the National Hellenic Archeological Museum (HNAM) in Athens, Greece. Many closely resemble traditional tools used in surgery and other medical procedures for centuries. Their diversity reflects the sophistication of ancient medicine and the development of practical treatments for a wide range of conditions alongside religious healing traditions. Numerous surgical instruments have been discovered at Asclepieia—sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius that served as important centres of healing—including the sanctuary at Epidaurus and Kos.

Content

Wooden box has one compartment lined with a grey tissue. Case contains the following instruments:

Set of knives and lancets
Set of needles
Set of probes

Display with the numbered ancient instruments in the HNAM Athens Greece (digital reconstruction). Credit: EuroMedSim

Tags:

Aesculap ancient archeology Asclepieion bloodletting box, case, chest chirurg collection Hippocrates instrument set knife lancet needle sanctuary scalpel trauma