Chronical History
Chronical History with Xannah Moniq invites you to explore the fascinating history of mental health, chronic illness, and disabilities through a unique lens. Each episode combines intimate storytelling with a touch of mystery, revealing the often-overlooked aspects of these significant topics.
The title, Chronical History, cleverly plays on the words “chronic” and “chronicle,” reflecting both the enduring nature of these conditions and the rich, narrative exploration of their histories. Xannah guides you through these tales whilst bringing historical narratives to life in a way that's empathetic, engaging, and enlightening.
Join Xannah as she uncovers the hidden chapters of history and brings a new perspective to the experiences that have shaped our understanding of mental health and chronic illness.
Chronical History
Disabilities in Ancient Greece: Mixed views, with some philosophers advocating exclusion
In this episode of “Chronical History,” host Xannah Moniq dives into the complex and often contradictory views on disabilities in ancient Greece. Explore how philosophers like Plato and Aristotle shaped societal attitudes, advocating for both exclusion and inclusion. From the myths of Hephaestus to the personal stories of figures like Epictetus, discover how disabilities were perceived and managed in Greek daily life, art, and philosophy. Join us as we navigate the moral and philosophical debates surrounding physical differences in one of history’s most influential civilizations.
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Sources and references
1. Plato. The Republic. Translated by Allan Bloom, HarperCollins, 1991.
• In The Republic, Plato discusses the ideal state and his views on physical and mental perfection, including references to how those with disabilities should be treated in his vision of an ideal society.
2. Aristotle. Politics. Translated by Benjamin Jowett, Dover Publications, 2000.
• Aristotle’s Politics offers a detailed discussion on citizenship and the role of individuals in the state, touching upon his views of natural hierarchy, which indirectly affects the perception of disabilities.
3. Garland, Robert. The Eye of the Beholder: Deformity and Disability in the Graeco-Roman World. Cornell University Press, 1995.
• This book provides a comprehensive analysis of how physical deformities and disabilities were perceived and treated in both ancient Greek and Roman societies.
4. Epictetus. The Discourses. Translated by Christopher Gill, Penguin Classics, 2008.
• Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher who lived with a physical disability, discusses inner freedom, resilience, and the idea that true limitation lies in the mind, not the body.
5. Sophocles. Philoctetes. Translated by David Grene, University of Chicago Press, 1991.
• The tragic play Philoctetes focuses on a hero abandoned due to his disability, providing a rich exploration of suffering, isolation, and redemption.
6. Sparta and Infanticide: Plutarch. Life of Lycurgus, in Parallel Lives. Translated by Bernadotte Perrin, Loeb Classical Library, Harvard University Press, 1914.
• Plutarch’s account of Spartan practices, including the exposure of infants with disabilities, offers insight into how certain Greek city-states dealt with physical imperfections.
7. Bosworth, A.B. Alexander and the East: The Tragedy of Triumph. Clarendon Press, 1996.
• This book provides additional context about figures like Hephaestus and the role of physical disabilities in myth and society.
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