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Greco-Roman mineral (litho)therapeutics and their relationship to their microbiome: The case of the red pigment miltos

Greco-Roman mineral (litho)therapeutics and their relationship to their microbiome: The case of the red pigment miltos

Authors :
Photos-Jones, E.
Knapp, C.W.
Venieri, D.
Christidis, G.E.
Elgy, C.
Valsami-Jones, E.
Gounaki, I.
Andriopoulou, N.C.
Source :
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports; December 2018, Vol. 22 Issue: 1 p179-192, 14p
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

This paper introduces a holistic approach to the study of Greco-Roman (G-R) lithotherapeutics. These are the minerals or mineral combinations that appear in the medical and scientific literature of the G-R world. It argues that they can best be described not simply in terms of their bulk chemistry/mineralogy but also their ecological microbiology and nanofraction component. It suggests that each individual attribute may have underpinned the bioactivity of the lithotherapeutic as an antibacterial, antifungal or other. We focus on miltos, the highly prized, naturally fine, red iron oxide-based mineral used as a pigment, in boat maintenance, agriculture and medicine. Five samples (four geological (from Kea, N. Cyclades) and one archaeological (from Lemnos, NE Aegean)) of miltoswere analyzed with physical and biological science techniques. We show that: a. Kean miltosand Lemnian earth/miltosmust have been chemically and mineralogically different; b. Lemnian miltosmust have been more effective as an antibacterial against specific pathogens (Gram + and Gram − bacteria) than its Kean counterpart; c. two samples of Kean miltos, although similar, chemically, mineralogically and eco-microbiologically (phylum/class level), nevertheless, displayed different antibacterial action. We suggest that this may constitute proof of microbial ecology playing an important role in effecting bioactivity and, interestingly, at the more specific genus/species level. From the perspective of the historian of G-R science, we suggest that it may have been on account of its bioactivity, rather than simply its 'red-staining' effect, that miltosgained prominent entry into the scientific and medical literature of the G-R world.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2352409X
Volume :
22
Issue :
1
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs47130961
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.07.017