ANATOMICAL VOTIVE OFFERINGS IN CHRISTIAN SHRINES (THE SHRINE OF SAINT COLLUTHUS AS A CASE STUDY) | ||||
| Shedet | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 23 July 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: research articles | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/shedet.2025.368956.1289 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Heba Naiem Samy  1; father Misael al-Baramosy2
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| 1Greco Roman Archaeology, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria, Egypt. | ||||
| 2Institute of Coptic Studies and Research, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| The phenomenon of divine miraculous healing is well-documented through historical and literary texts, votive offerings, inscriptions, and miracle stories. This study explores anatomical votive offerings—objects shaped like human body parts—which were presented at saintly shrines and ancient Greek and Roman temples as expressions of gratitude for healing or requests for divine intervention. The research focuses on the shrine of Saint Colluthus in Antinoopolis (modern-day Sheikh Abada, Egypt) as a case study. This shrine, which functioned as a center for miraculous healing during the 6th century CE, provides unique evidence of anatomical vows in Egypt. The study examines the discovery of these vows at the site, considering their significance and contextualizing them within Christian healing traditions. Additionally, this research compares healing practices in ancient Greco-Roman temples, particularly those dedicated to Asclepius, with Christian shrines that flourished during the Byzantine era. It highlights similarities and differences in healing rituals and votive traditions, emphasizing the role of anatomical vows in bridging faith and medicine. Furthermore, the study traces the evolution of anatomical vows from Greco-Roman antiquity to the present day, demonstrating the continuity of this tradition in certain churches, particularly outside Egypt. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Anatomical Vows; Saint Colluthus; Asclepius; Miraculous Healing; Temples and Shrines | ||||
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