Arzt und Patient: Der Fall des Asarhaddon, Königs von Assyrien

Abstract

Due to an exceptional source it is possible to reconstruct the medical history of King Asarhaddon who reigned in Assyria between 681 and 669 BC. It makes it possible to diagnose that the king suffered from lupus erythematodus disseminatus, first announced in 672 and which led in 670 to a full outbreak of the condition. It also gives us an insight into the limits of medicine of that time in the treatment of various symptoms, and the interaction with magic which was typical of the times. We are able to observe the behaviour of the court officials including that of the personal physician towards the respectible and exceedingly sensitive and depressive patient.