New study reveals ancient Greek temples constructed with disability ramps

·

Ancient Greeks were the pioneers of technological and structural development. Having built some of the greatest Wonder’s of the Ancient World, the Greeks certainly utilised foresight in their construction.

Yet, a new study has shown that Greece’s greatest development may have been the construction of the world’s first disability ramp, improving access for visitors.

Archaeologists from California State University re-examined the placement and design of ramps at several Greek buildings, and concluded that they were installed to improve access for disabled locals.

“There are 11 stone ramps on nine separate buildings,” archaeologist Debby Sneed says.

“The distribution is pretty clear: They show up in places where there are more disabled people.”

Debby Sneed is a PhD graduate of UCLA in Archaeology.

The ramps were originally assumed to be used for greater accessibility in transporting animal sacrifices to temples. Sneed argues that this theory is untrue, saying animals were usually sacrificed outside, and most Greek buildings don’t have ramps, suggesting they weren’t common for construction purposes.

Researchers discovered that majority of ramps were commonly found at healing sanctuaries, where many mobility-impaired people went in search of help from the healing god Asclepius. Small clay offerings depicting afflicted legs and feet were left behind by hopeful visitors at these sanctuaries, along with skeletal evidence showing arthritis and joint disease was common.

Katja Sporn, head of the German Archaeological Institute’s Athens department and the author of a paper examining temple ramps in the Greek world, argues Sneed’s point of observation.

“It helps everyone, also disabled people, walk into temples better,” Sporn says. “But that you would only do it for disabled people I don’t find convincing.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

Google extends AI fire detection tool to Greece

Google is enhancing its fire boundary detection capabilities using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide tracking of fire perimeters.

Family hardship inspires Nick Xenophon to run for Senate again

More than four years after he quit federal politics, Nick Xenophon has announced he will run for the Senate at the upcoming federal election.

Olympiacos fans in Australia rejoice as Greek club makes football history

Olympiacos FC fans around Australia rejoiced on Thursday as the Greek football club made history. Read more here.