ABSTRACT
Crete provides all the necessary prerequisite conditions for the development and survival of iatrosophia. For the craft of iatrosophia to flourish the right kind of topography is key and Crete’s mountainous terrain, rich biodiversity and long-established human settlement provide an ideal setting and bountiful resources. But for iatrosophic texts to flourish, cultural norms and values also play a role; these decide whether or not, and how, healing knowledge is amassed and preserved over time. Crete’s history encouraged the emergence of values and opportunities which, like the landscape, strongly influenced the preservation and transmission of iatrosophic knowledge in written form. Unlikely as it seems in this great island of rugged terrain and even more rugged inhabitants, Cretans have long venerated their inheritance of rich literary and artistic traditions. Learning is held in high esteem, and this has held true through long centuries of warfare, invasion, foreign domination and revolution. 1
