Eye cream from antiquity

It is not difficult to imagine that even in antiquity, soldiers who traversed large stretches of dry lands or deserts would suffer from xerophthalmia, i.e. eye-dryness. Yet, it is far more difficult to accept that they knew how to treat their sore eyes.

Sifting through the grave gifts in ancient tombs can obviously be very rewarding but finding a jar that once contained this eye balsam is quite surprising.

It happened during recent excavations works in Aizanoi, in western Turkey. Here, archaeologists unearthed several tombs from the 2^nd and 1^st century BC and among the grave goods, they found a “lykion” which is a typical jar made to contain the precious cream.

The salve was made using a plant that was common in Lycia until the end of the 18^th century. A similar plant is also known in India. This makes me wonder whether Alexander could have taken this remedy with him to India or if it has been imported to Asia Minor by his Macedonians on their way back home.

According to ancient sources, Romans used this eye cream while marching through Egypt.

[Picture from Archaeology News Network. Credit: AA]