Poppy plant in the medical history of Ancient Anatolia

Subject matter of mythological stories, a symbol of characters, food for living creatures, poppy is a powerful plant may heal or kill. It is the source of pleasure for the Sumerians, a symbol of life for the Assyrians, crown of the Minoan Goddess, gift of Demeter, attribute of Hypnos, Nyx and Thanatos, tears of Aphrodite, milk of Morpheus, and indispensable medicine of the physicians. Although poppy became famous as a versatile plant that maintained its significance throughout the history, the information regarding its existence and importance, especially in ancient history, is rather limited. This thesis aims to fill in this gap by bringing together a large body of disorganized data from various scientific disciplines. In view of that, the subject at hand is evaluated from a historian's perspective, and in accordance with the chronological method, the subject is concluded with a working principle that reaches from general to specific. First, general characteristics of the plant such as its etymology, morphological and agricultural features, usage areas and cultivation are outlined. Then, the pre- and post-historical periods are elucidated in the light of archaeological evidence, numismatic data, works of ancient writers as well as the modern sources. Next, the medical usage areas in ancient history, which constitute the main part of the study, are emphasized. The works of the writers who were born and lived in the surrounding areas, particularly those of the ancient Anatolian writers, are also examined, and the medicinal properties of the poppy plant and its therapeutic role in various diseases are identified. Finally, a comparative analysis is made on the use of poppy in ancient and modern medicine.