Atlas
The design of our Atlas is based on a rigorous and documented User Research, led by our product manager, who has been part of the team from day one. We began with a group of ‘alpha users’ from the field of ancient medicine and philosophy. This allowed us to identify the key needs and preferences of potential users and to prioritise the most important features for the first, beta version of the Atlas. We launched it in October 2021.
Forthcoming Features: In summer 2023 we completed a second and wider User Research. We are now working to develop and deploy new features based on the feedback we received. New viewing and filtering options for lexical and textual references will be available in winter 2024. Later in the year we will launch our Version 2 with advanced comparison possibilities and more. Stay tuned…
Available models currently cover Aristotle (Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, Heart and Vascular System) and some Hippocratic treatises (Heart and Sacred Disease - vascular system and related parts). We are working on further Aristotelian models (reproductive, urinary and skeletal systems), Galen (hand and voice organs) and Celsus (skeleton and viscera).
There are also ca. 700 lexical entries (lemma pages).
Below is a quick guide on how and what you can do on the atlas.
How to use Atlomy
ATLOMY is a lexicon and a 3D atlas of ancient anatomy. You can choose how to approach the content:
Search for Terms
As a lexicon, Atlomy is organized around terms, specifically – Lemmas (words in their most basic, dictionary form) that appear in ancient sources. There are many lemmas, each has many forms and often several meanings and uses. Each term has its own page containing lexical, interpretive, and bibliographic information, as well as a searchable list of references, quotes, and distinct translations. This lemma page is citable. It will also connect you to 3D models in which the term is visualized. Atlomy provides an easy search feature in four languages – English, Latin, Greek, and Arabic. Simply enter a word in the search bar.
- heart / kardia / καρδία
- vessel / vein / phleps / φλέψ / عِرْق
- artery / artēria / ἀρτηρία
As you type, Atlomy will suggest terms. Click on a suggestion and it will bring you to its lemma-page. If it didn't suggest the term that you were looking for, or if you want to see all of the possible results, click the "Search" button or press the "Enter" key. Atlomy will fetch and show a complete list of terms that are relevant to your search query.
ⓘ Tip: You can sort the results in different ways – use filters at the top of the results page to show only the terms that fit into one or more categories.
Browse Indexes
Our indexes list all the terms which you can learn about in this atlas. They go beyond strictly anatomy, to encompass everything relevant for understanding the details and descriptions in the texts. These include:
- Body parts
- Words depicting anatomical topography, such as prepositions, verbs, and adverbs
- Descriptive attributes and qualities
- Tools
- Verbs denoting actions in dissection
- Particles, pronouns, and articles which are important for understanding the technical description, such as the case of a pronoun referring to a previously mentioned body part
- Terms related to physiology and pathology
The terms are organized in four indexes:
Terms Index – All non-english terms in the atlas, transliterated in English
English Index – All terms in the atlas from any language, translated into English
Greek Lemma – All terms in the atlas that originated from Greek texts
Arabic Lemma – All terms in the atlas that originated from Arabic translations of ancient Greek texts – these are terms of Arabic roots.
ⓘ Tip: As is often the case in Arabic, a single root may include several terms deriving from it. You can examine the different terms and their particular meanings by clicking on the root. This will take you to its lemma page, at the end of which appears a list of references and quotes for the different terms.
View 3D Models
You may prefer starting with models rather than with words. We've highlighted a few models on the home page – click on a model to go to the 3D viewer. You will find more models when searching for terms – on the results page, thumbnail images of relevant models appear under each entry. Click on an image to go to the model. Once in the 3D viewer, intuitive controls will make navigation easy, using either your mouse of the icons on the screen:
- Rotate (or. Left-click + Drag)
- Zoom in/out (or. Scroll Wheel)
- Pan (or. Middle-Click + Drag)
- Reset Button will reset the view
Left-clicking on a body part will show you details about it; right-clicking on it will give you further options. You also have the option to cite the model page.
ⓘ Tip: When viewing a model, click on the little ⓘ icon next to the model's name. This will take you to the "Model Info" page, where you can read about the parts, references, and research behind the model.
Watch Reenactments
For a more in-depth understanding of the research behind the atlas, you may want to watch our reenactment of a dissection described by the 2nd-3rd century physician Galen, in his work Anatomical Procedures. The guide contains our translation and interpretation of Galen’s work, along with photo and video documentation of the reenacted dissection. Upon entering that section of the atlas, you will be presented an introductory page on the essence and method of the reenactment.
ⓘ Warning: The reenactment contains sensitive medical images that may be graphic. Viewer discretion is advised. Only individuals 18 years and older should watch.