The bioethics of biowarfare in antiquity

The origins of biological warfare raise significant bioethical concerns that remain relevant today. Early humans’ use of plant-based poisons eventually extended from hunting to combat, marking the inception of biowarfare. The ethical dilemmas surrounding the use of biological weapons were reflected in mythological and historical accounts, which consistently highlighted the unintended consequences and moral hazards of deploying poisons. Greek mythology illustrates the moral complexities and collateral damage caused by biological agents, emphasizing the risk of harm not only to enemies but also to innocents and loved ones. These ethical concerns resonate with modern bioethics, which focuses on the consequences and moral responsibility of using biological agents. Poisons’ use in warfare presents issues of disproportionate harm, lack of control, and long-term environmental and human damage. Ancient texts demonstrate an early awareness of the need for ethical boundaries in warfare, condemning the use of poisons as incompatible with fairness and human dignity.

Keywords: ricin, mythology, Heracles, Kirrha, Hellebore.

Address for correspondence:
Spyros N. MICHALEAS
Department of History of Medicine and Medical Ethics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Address: Athanasiou Diakou 14, Alimos, Athens 17455, Greece
E-mail: sp.michaleas@gmail.com