On Friday, September 20, 2024, Al-Nahrain University’s Faculty of Medicine, in collaboration with the Cultural Relations Department and the Supportive Sciences Unit, hosted an enlightening online lecture titled "Women's Health Care in Ancient Mesopotamia." The event, held via Zoom, was presented by Dr. Ulrike Steinert, a Research Associate from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. Dr. Steinert is well-known for her work in the prestigious DFG Project, “Akkadian and Hittite Emotions in Context.”
During the lecture, Dr. Steinert explored a wide array of topics surrounding the healthcare practices in ancient Mesopotamia, particularly focusing on women’s health. She delved into medical texts that detailed diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used by ancient physicians to treat various issues related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. The lecture also shed light on the interplay between magic and medicine, as incantations and rituals were often employed alongside prescriptions and medical interventions. One key highlight of the lecture was the discussion of ancient Mesopotamian beliefs about the female body and reproductive health. Dr. Steinert provided insight into how ancient healers approached complex medical issues such as miscarriage, premature births, and postpartum care. Her exploration of cuneiform texts offered a vivid understanding of how these early medical practices were deeply intertwined with cultural and emotional contexts. Dr. Bushra Juhi Jani, from the Support Sciences Unit, moderated the session, which received significant positive feedback from participants, including scholars who followed the event on social media. Many expressed interest in viewing the recorded lecture and accessing Dr. Steinert’s slides, which are shared after taking her permission. 
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