Medical Arts in Ancient Mesopotamia

The ancient Babylonians developed a systematic practice of the Medical Arts. Writings found on cuneiform tablets include specific herbal remedies to treat eye infections, intestinal disorders and other maladies. In 1990, archeologists working in Iraq discovered the remains of an enormous temple (c. 1300 bce), nearly the size of a football field, dedicated to the ancient goddess of medicine, Gula. Pilgrims travelled to the temple, it is believed, to secure healing. Often they brought figures or figurines with them to register their complaint. These figures are from the Temple of Gula, goddess of Medicine, excavated at Nippur (ancient Mesopotamia), Iraq. Earlier known as Bau, or Ninkarrak, in Mesopotamian religion, city goddess of Urukug in the Lagash region and, under the name Nininsina, the Queen of Isin, city goddess of Isin, south of Nippur. [Mesopotamia] [People]