The Babylonian Caduceus
On The Origin of the Caduceus - Symbol of Medicine
In the early twentieth century A. J. Frothingham presented to the Philological Association and the Archaeological Institute that the real character of Hermes and his kerykeion could be traced back to early Mesopotamia. He believed that the Babylonian Caduceus evolved to the Greek Caduceus. A libation vase which is stored on exhibit in the Louvre was excavated from the ancient Mesopotamian city of Lagash.
The
inscription on the vase reads: "To the god Ningizzida, his god Gudea, patesi of
Lagash, for the prolongation of his life, has dedicated this." Also on the vase
is a figure of two entwined snakes on a rod. The vase has been dated as early as
4000 to 3000 B.C. There are other images cast into the vase that can correlate
an association with the caduceus. Ningizzida was the predecessor of the Egyptian
god Thoth. Ninazu, who was called the "Lord of Healing" was the father of
Ningizzida. It was also represented in other examples of artifacts and emblems
from that era. Among the Hittites, a third century Roman coin, a caduceus-god
like mysterious symbol is shown between two seated gods. These were possibly the
gods of Hierapolis of Syria. It was also stated by Professor Frothingham that
the caduceus of the Hittites and the Babylonians was brought to the Etruscans of
primitive Rome. Aesculpius' daughter or wife Hygeia, the Greek demigoddess of
health, is usually depicted with a serpent entwined and sometimes with an
Aesculpius Staff.
It is said that Ningizzida is related to the Greek Hermes. Also, early illustrations identified with Ishtar, show Her with a caduceus. More evaluation needs to be done and it will sometimes be left to the author or the audience to decide. The earliest caducei were an 8 shaped figure with the top circle opened. Snakes were added as early as the fifth century B.C. but remained unusual until the Middle Ages or the early Renaissance period. The wings were added in the fourth century B.C. Snakes are considered to represent eternal life as they shed their skin and thus renew their strength and youth every year.
