Status of Physically and Mentally Affected in Antique Society

Abstract

Research into personal names indicates to different attitudes towards physically affected in Greece and Rome. State subsidy to affected was common in Athens only, later in Rome for disabled ex-soldiers. Thus many affected performed various jobs for their living. We find them in intelectual proffesions (philosophers, teachers, lawyers, artists, technical experts) and among physical workers (fishermen, herdsmen, slaves) and particularly in Late Antiquity among soldiers. The status of mentally affected depended on the family and was in general very poor. Their comprethension into society was practically not possible.