This paper, entitled Nothing New Under the Sun: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders in the Ancient World, gives evidence that much earlier traumas were suffered in Mesopotamia (ancient Iraq) during the Assyrian Dynasty (1300-609 BC). These instances were explained at the time as the spirits of those enemies whom the patient had killed in battle causing the symptoms.
Texts uncovered from the time mention that the King of Elam’s “mind changed”, meaning he became disturbed. The researchers argue he may have been suffering from PTSD. Trauma was also suffered by soldiers, with the male population of Assyria called upon to fight in battles in every third year during their military service. The co-authors suggest this was the cause of post-traumatic stress disorders.
Story: Anglia Ruskin Unversity | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
No comments:
Post a Comment