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Chapter 2 - Automata, Cyborgs, and Hybrids

Bodies and Machines in Antiquity

from Part I - Blended Bodies

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 July 2023

By
Jane Draycott
Edited by
Maria Gerolemou  and
George Kazantzidis
Maria Gerolemou
Affiliation:
Center for Hellenic Studies, Washington
George Kazantzidis
Affiliation:
University of Patras, Greece
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Summary

This chapter proposes that the myths of Hephaistos, the ancient Greek god of metalwork and the only physically impaired member of the Olympic pantheon, can provide insights into ancient inspirations for and understandings of assistive technology. It explores the range of different types of assistive technology that impaired and disabled individuals used in classical antiquity to facilitate their physical mobility, covering staffs, sticks, crutches, corrective footwear, extremity prostheses, conveyances, equids, bearers, and caregivers. It notes the frequent association of impairment and technology in classical antiquity. It argues for a reassessment of the suitability of the Medical Model for use in relation to impairment and disability in classical antiquity under certain circumstances.

Keywords

HephaistosArtisansTechneAssistive TechnologyImpairmentDisability.
Type
Chapter
Information
Body and Machine in Classical Antiquity , pp. 48 - 69
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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