Neoplatonic philosophy and medicine: a connection between Emperor Julian and the physician Oribasius of Pergamum (4th century CE)

• Grant number: 23/07269-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: January 10, 2024
• End date: March 05, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - History - Ancient and Medieval History
• Principal Investigator: Margarida Maria de Carvalho
• Grantee: Margarida Maria de Carvalho
• Host Investigator: Rita Lizzi
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Humanas e Sociais (FCHS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Franca. Franca , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Università degli Studi di Perugia, Italy

Abstract

The history of medicine in antiquity has always been well known due to the works of Hippocrates (V-IV B.C.E.) and Galen (II-III C.E.). However, Oribasius of Pergamum, who was physician to Emperor Julian, has lengthy medical treatises, including treatises on food that are little researched today. Oribasius accompanied Julian Caesar (355-360 C.E.) in his battles and wars against the Franks and Alemanni and Julian Augustus (361-363 C.E.) in the war against the Persians. In addition to being his doctor, he was his friend and as Neoplatonic as the Emperor. Among all his treatises, this doctor wrote texts on nutrition for Julian's health. The intention was for the emperor to strengthen himself mentally and physically for war. The hypothesis that guides this project is that there is a connection between the nourishment of the soul and the body for everyday political struggles and military conflicts. The documentation is called Diet for an Emperor and consists of six books that deal with the value of various foods, which, associated with physical exercise, would result in the emperor's longevity. (AU)