While the specific term "PTSD" (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) was not used in ancient times, there are historical accounts and references to symptoms that suggest ancient soldiers experienced psychological distress similar to what we now recognize as PTSD. Keep in mind that the understanding of mental health was different in antiquity, and they may have attributed these experiences to other causes or supernatural forces.
Ancient Greece and Rome:
- The Greek historian Herodotus described cases of what we might now interpret as combat-related psychological trauma among soldiers. For instance, in his work "Histories," he mentioned a Spartan soldier who went blind before a battle due to the psychological stress.
- The Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca mentioned the emotional toll of war on soldiers, describing the "wounds on their minds" (vulnera cordis) resulting from their experiences in battle.
Epic of Gilgamesh (circa 2100 BCE):
- In the ancient Mesopotamian epic, Gilgamesh suffers from nightmares and psychological distress following the death of his close friend, Enkidu. While not explicitly identified as PTSD, the emotional and psychological impact of loss and trauma is evident in the narrative.
Iliad (circa 8th century BCE):
- In Homer's epic, the Iliad, there are descriptions of Achilles experiencing intense grief and emotional distress after the death of his companion Patroclus. His reaction could be interpreted as symptomatic of trauma and grief.
Shell Shock in World War I:
- Though not ancient, it is worth mentioning that the phenomenon known as "shell shock" during World War I displayed symptoms similar to PTSD. Soldiers exposed to the horrors of trench warfare experienced a range of psychological symptoms, including nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbing.
In these ancient accounts, the emphasis was often on the emotional and psychological toll of war, rather than on specific diagnoses or labels. However, modern researchers and historians have looked back at these historical records and identified potential instances of PTSD-like symptoms experienced by ancient soldiers.
It's essential to recognize that the understanding and interpretation of psychological distress in historical contexts can be complex and subject to cultural differences and language limitations. Still, there is evidence to suggest that soldiers in ancient times, like their modern counterparts, also experienced emotional and psychological consequences as a result of the traumatic events they endured in the course of warfare.