IDEOLOGICAL READINGS THROUGH THE MEDICAL RECORDS: ILLNESSES IN THE NEO-BABYLONIAN CHRONICLES AND BABYLONIAN HISTORIOGRAPHY

Abstract

In this study, we will focus on the illnesses and disabilities mentioned in the Neo-Babylonian Chronicles Series (ABC 1-7 and MC 16-17, 21-26) which were compiled in the second half of the first millennium BC. The information in these records will be evaluated with regards to medical history in the first millennium BC. Particular attention will be given to the details concerning illnesses with fatal consequences for Mesopotamian and Elamite kings who had ruled before the time that the texts were compiled. It is very important to think about why the medical problems in question are included in some of the chronicles since the chronicles speak of accounts of noteworthy political and military events in general. Including information about the medical disorders concerning kings, the chronicles contents can contribute to evaluations of the relationship between the political, religious and traditional aspects of Babylonian historiography. The modern assumption, that Neo-Babylonian and certain other chronicles are “models of historical probity” and impartial texts sharing a historical critique on the records of the kings’ illnesses, will be discussed. This study is related to the historical period between the middle of the third millenium and the end of the sixth century BC.  In addition, other chronicles such as the Weidner Chronicle and the Chronicle of Early Kings concerning this period will be referenced considerably as well.  Cite this article as : Kagnici, Gokhan, “Tibbi Bilginin Ideolojik Kullanimi Uzerine Okumalar: Yeni Babil Kroniklerinde Hastaliklar ve Babil Tarih Yaziciligi”, Turk J Hist sayi 69 (2019), s.1-36.