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22-Nov-2025
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Arch Hellen Med, 43(1), January-February 2026, 129-131 HISTORY OF MEDICINE Euthanasia in antiquity: The case of Athens, Sparta, Kea and the Greek colony of Marseilles A. Spinthouraki, S. Michaleas, I. Dimitriadis, I. Nikolakakis, M. Karamanou |
Euthanasia in antiquity was quite similar to the modern concept and was seen as the solution to enable a dishonorable person to preserve his dignity through a good death. Old age was seen as bringing dishonor and suffering, and euthanasia allowed the individual to preserve his dignity while also benefiting the city. There was also eugenic euthanasia, as in the case of Sparta, which was driven by the good of the city. The extant examples of euthanasia, as well as the philosophical accounts of euthanasia show that it was considered preferable to a difficult and ugly life and a painful and dishonorable life.
Key words: Antiquity, Euthanasia, Philosophy.
