Ancient instrument for removing bladder stones discovered in Heraclea Sintica

An extremely rare medical instrument was discovered by archaeologists from the team of Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski in a room adjacent to the temple of Heracles in Heraclea Sintica, scientific journal Archaeologia Bulgarica reports. Only the curved tips of the double bronze hook with a handle decorated with embossed rings are missing.

In Antiquity, this urological instrument was called "lithoulkos" and was used in lithotomy - an operation to remove stones from the bladder. The only known similar tool was found in Italy. “The fact that we found it in a room next to the temple of Heracles suggests that perhaps people were treated there, seeking the help of the mythical hero and son of Zeus," Prof. Vagalinski says. The stratigraphic dating indicates the 3rd century AD.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova