Assyrian Text Describing Epileptic Symptoms (c. 650 BC)

Mesopotamian peoples were particularly prone to seeing the hands of god in everything in life.

Disease was typically seen as both a judgement & a punishment upon the person.

This Assyrian text describes epileptic symptoms (c. 650 BC) with a demonic slant:

If at the time of his possession, while he is sitting down, his left eye moves to the side, a lip puckers, saliva flows from his mouth, and his hand, leg and trunk on the left side jerk like a slaughtered sheep, it is migtu. If at the time of possession his mind is awake, the demon can be driven out; if at the time of his possession his mind is not so aware, the demon cannot be driven out.

Reference:

Roy Porter (1997). The Greatest Benefit To Mankind. A Medical History Of Humanity From Antiquity To The Present. Fontana Press. London

Image: Assyrian Relief from Mary Harrsch on flickr (cc)

Tags: Assyrian - Epilepsy - History - Mesopotamia - Possession - Text
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