Images

Fresco depicting the myth of Narcissus, in the House of Octavius Quartio at Pompeii.

Dated to the New Kingdom (c. 1570 - c. 1069 BCE), and specifically to c. 1200 BCE, the text is written in demotic script and is the oldest treatise on anorectal disease (affecting the anus and rectum) in history.

A Roman sarcophagus showing three infamous figures from Greek mythology who were punished for their impiety: Sisyphus (who had to forever roll a stone up a hill), Ixion (who was tied to an ever-spinning wheel), and Tantalus (who could never...

Narcissus flowers, often called daffodills. In Greek mythology the handsome youth Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection and was transformed into the flower when he died.

A 16th century CE oil painting by Caravaggio depicting Narcissus the handsome youth of Greek mythology who fell in love with his own reflection. (Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome)

The Kahun Gynaecological Papyrus (c. 1800 BCE) deals with conception and pregnancy issues as well as contraception. It is kept in the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology.

A detail of a relief at the Temple of Edfu, Egypt showing a knife and leg. Ptolemaic Period.

A relief from the Temple of Kom Ombo of a woman sitting on a birthing stool. Ptolemaic Period.

A relief from the Temple of Kom Ombo depicting various Egyptian medical instruments. Ptolemaic Period.

An illustration of a tomb relief at Ankhmaho, Saqqara showing an Egyptian circumcision ceremony. 2350-2000 BCE.