26 April 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

Ancient ‘Cancer-Treating’ Magical Amulet Discovered in Türkiye’s Antioch of Pisidia

An intriguing artifact was discovered during excavations in the ancient city of Pisidia Antioch in Isparta province in western Türkiye: “A magical amulet against cancer.”

The ancient Antioch of Pisidia is located only 1 km north of Yalvaç, Isparta İn southern Türkiye. The city was founded by Antioch I in 280 B.C. Among 17 antique cities named ‘Antioch’ in Türkiye, only two of them are remembered well by scholars, one is called ‘Antakya’ (the ancient Antioch in Hatay) and the other is Antioch of Pisidia. Both of them are renowned for their remarkable architecture and have significant roles in the early phases of Christian history.

An intriguing artifact believed to have been used against cancer has been unearthed in the ancient city of Pisidia Antioch. The artifact, described as an amulet featuring a crab motif and inscriptions wishing for healing, is thought to date back to the Hellenistic period.

The most intriguing discovery of 2024 was a gemma, used as a pendant amulet. This amulet is one of the most unique artifacts ever found in the Antioch of Pisidia excavations. It was discovered during excavations on Aedilicus Hill near the site’s church.

A father had commissioned this amulet for his ailing daughter, wearing it as a pendant for healing. One side of the amulet depicts a crab, while the other side features inscriptions meant to cure her ailment.

Magical amulet made against cancer from Antioch of Pisidia excavations, Isparta, Türkiye, Oct. 30, 2024. Photo: Antioch of Pisidia Archive
Magical amulet made against cancer from Antioch of Pisidia excavations, Isparta, Türkiye. Photo: Antioch of Pisidia Archive

Galen, an ancient physician famous for his cancer research, said that the black veins that surround cancerous tumors look like a crab’s legs: “Just as a crab has legs that spread around its body, the veins in this disease are similar in shape. They spread from the abnormal tumor shaped like a crab.” The term “cancer” actually originates from the Greek word “karkinos,” meaning crab, highlighting the visual similarity. 

The Hellenistic era through the fourth century A.D. saw the widespread use of these kinds of talismanic stones. The specimen found in Antioch of Pisidia represents one of the best-preserved examples in Anatolia, showcasing significant imagery and inscriptions. They are thought to have originated in Egypt, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia.

The amulet predates the church at the site, and most likely came to this location in the 10th century A.D. Its significance has endured over time due to its value as a precious stone. For many years, it was likely used by a variety of people due to the belief that it could cure cancer.

Further analysis of the artifact is underway, with researchers believing that the findings will contribute significantly to the field of archeology and deepen our understanding of ancient health practices.

Cover Image Credit: Antioch of Pisidia

Related Articles

Israeli researchers have found evidence of cooking fish 780,000 years ago at Gesher Benot Ya’aqov

14 November 2022

14 November 2022

Hominins living at Gesher Benot Ya’akov 780,000 years ago liked their fish to be well cooked, Israeli researchers revealed Monday,...

The Colchester Vase: New Analyses Uncover Evidence of Gladiatorial Combat in Roman Britannia

23 February 2025

23 February 2025

The Colchester Vase, dating back to A.D. 160–200, is not just a ceramic artifact; it is considered a unique graphic...

Researchers found evidence of the use of medicinal herbs in the Grotte des Pigeons Cave in Morocco dating back 15,000 years

5 November 2024

5 November 2024

Morocco’s National Institute of Archaeology and Heritage has announced an important discovery that will enhance our understanding of ancient healing...

Archaeologists find new clues about North Carolina’s ‘Lost Colony’ from the 16th century

11 May 2024

11 May 2024

Archaeologists from The First Colony Foundation have yielded a tantalizing clue about the fate of the Lost Colony, the settlers...

Severed right hands reveal Trophy-Taking practices in Ancient Egypt

2 April 2023

2 April 2023

Twelve severed hands were found in Egypt as part of a horrifying “trophy-taking” practice that was just made revealed by...

Archaeologists unearth 128 ancient urn burial tombs for children in north China

22 November 2021

22 November 2021

Archaeologists have uncovered urn burial chambers containing the remains of 128 infants among the ruins of an ancient city of...

In Russia, archaeologists 2100-Year-Old Medallion of Goddess Aphrodite and a warrior tomb unearthed

30 October 2022

30 October 2022

Archaeologists have unearthed a silver medallion depicting the Greek goddess Aphrodite (Roma Venüs) in a 2100-year-old grave of a priestess...

Twin temples linked to Hercules and Alexander the Great discovered in Sumerian city of Girsu

29 January 2024

29 January 2024

Archaeologists discovered two temples, with one buried over the other, during excavations at Girsu, a Sumerian city in southeastern Iraq...

A large hall from the time of Viking Harald Bluetooth discovered

26 December 2022

26 December 2022

A large hall from the reign of King Harald Bluetooth of Denmark and Norway was unearthed during housing construction work...

Turkey’s Taş Tepeler marks the beginning of civilization

14 October 2021

14 October 2021

There is still plenty to learn about the Neolithic Age!  The vast land of Taş Tepeler, which houses other sites...

‘Lost’ 4,000-year-old wedge tomb rediscovered in Ireland

22 January 2024

22 January 2024

A “lost” 4,000-year-old wedge tomb has been rediscovered in County Kerry, in the peninsular southwest region of Ireland. The megalithic...

Archaeologists Discovered 8th-century BC Settlement in Uzbekistan

25 June 2024

25 June 2024

A team of Chinese and Uzbek archaeologists discovered an ancient settlement dating back to the 8th century BC in Uzbekistan,...

Archaeologists discovered the monastery of Queen Cynethryth, a strong Anglo-Saxon queen

19 August 2021

19 August 2021

Archaeologists from the University of Reading and local volunteers excavating on the grounds of Holy Trinity Church have made an...

An Elite Nubian Woman’s Burial, Dating Back 4,000 Years, Reveals the Oldest Evidence of Tumpline Use

15 April 2025

15 April 2025

A recent study analyzing 30 ancient skeletons from the Abu Fatima cemetery in Nubia, Sudan, has revealed that women in...

Treasure of 1,290 Ancient Roman Coins Discovered by Amateur Archaeologist in Switzerland

16 April 2022

16 April 2022

An amateur archeologist has found a big treasure trove of over 1,290 priceless, ancient Roman coins dating back to the...