The Obstetric Connection: Midwives and Weasels within and beyond Minoan Crete

The Minoan peak sanctuaries call for systematic comparative research as an island-bound phenomenon whose significance to the (pre)history of medicine far transcends Cretan context: they yield clay anatomical offerings attesting earliest known healing cult in Aegean. sanctuary Petsophas produced figurines weasels, which are usually interpreted pests, ignoring their association with votives that express concerns about childbirth, traditionally first single cause death women. paper draws from primary sources examine weasel’s puzzling bond birth and midwives, concluding it stems animal’s pharmacological role ancient obstetrics. This novel interpretation then steers analysis archaeological evidence rituals involving mustelids beyond within Bronze Age Crete, revealing existence a midwifery koine across Near East Mediterranean; net interconnections relevant female therapeutics brings light package animals plants bespeaking tradition likely linked midwife goddess Eileithyia. Challenging mainstream accounts beginnings Western male accomplishment, this overlooked characterises Crete unique crucible knowledge, ideas, practices.