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Suicide triggers described by Herodotus

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-22, 00:11 authored by Saxby PridmoreSaxby Pridmore, Auchincloss, S, Ahmadi, J

Objective: The aim of this study was to better understand the triggers of suicide, particularly among the ancient Greek and Persian soldiers and commanders. Method: ‘Herodotus: The Histories’ is a history of the rulers and soldiery who participated in the Greco-Persian wars (492-449 BCE). A new translation (2013) of this manuscript was studied. Accounts of suicide were collected and collated, with descriptions of circumstances, methods, and probable triggers.

Results: Nine accounts of suicide were identified. Eight of these were named individuals (4 Greeks and 4 Persians); of whom, seven were male. Only one (not the female) appeared to act in response to a mental disorder. Other triggers of suicide included guilt, avoidance of dishonour/ punishment and altruism. Cutting/ stabbing was the most common method; others included hanging, jumping, poison, and burning (the single female).

Conclusion: While soldiers at a time of war do not reflect the general community, they are nevertheless members of their society. Thus, this evidence demonstrates that suicide triggered by burdensome circumstances (in addition to mental disorder) was known to the Greek and Persian people more than two millennia ago.

History

Publication title

Iranian Journal of Psychiatry

Volume

11

Pagination

128-132

ISSN

1735-4587

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Tehran University of Medical Sciences Publications

Place of publication

Iran, Islamic Republic of

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health

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