The paper will try to examine, within the context of the broad catalogue of figures in the Greek and Roman worlds considered as being in possession of healing powers, the role of the particular group or category of “healing statues”. Such statues, most commonly images of athletes and then of warriors, were credited with the ability to affect, following prayers and supplications, instantaneous and miraculous cures. The paper will locate these magic statues within a historical context, beginning with the earliest cases of the athlete heroes (6th -5th c. BC) before moving to consider later examples (2nd c. AD) of warrior heroes, and attempt to understand the cause of their perceived efficacy.
Healing Statues in The Greek and Roman World
GORRINI, MARIA ELENA;
2012-01-01
Abstract
The paper will try to examine, within the context of the broad catalogue of figures in the Greek and Roman worlds considered as being in possession of healing powers, the role of the particular group or category of “healing statues”. Such statues, most commonly images of athletes and then of warriors, were credited with the ability to affect, following prayers and supplications, instantaneous and miraculous cures. The paper will locate these magic statues within a historical context, beginning with the earliest cases of the athlete heroes (6th -5th c. BC) before moving to consider later examples (2nd c. AD) of warrior heroes, and attempt to understand the cause of their perceived efficacy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
