Suicide in antiquity

The origins of modern moral debates over the ethics of suicide can be found in this era.

"[1] Lucretia's death is an example of suicide being a socially acceptable and honourable way to deal with shame in Roman society.

Fatalistic suicide will commonly occur in someone who is highly regulated and does not satisfy enough of their desires.

Sati was the self-immolation of a widow on the funeral pyre of her husband, or her suicide following, the pretexts varying, whether for emotional, religious, or anticipated economic destitution (especially if elderly) or out of compulsion of the family to more expeditiously redistribute the widow's property.

[5] Suicide was discussed in all of the philosophical schools of the Greco-Roman world as a controversial issue.

Though he was sentenced to death by the state, Socrates had the chance to refuse and escape, instead of choosing to drink hemlock.

Although he believed that, “taking one’s own life to avoid poverty or desire or pain is unmanly… or rather cowardly,”[6] he also felt that it was allowed if the state ordered it.

[8] As god's sign is indicative that the work or duty of that person has been achieved, it is only in this circumstance, that it is morally acceptable to end one's life.

When Samson was brought before the Philistines to entertain them, he leaned against the support pillar of the temple they were inside and prayed to God for strength.

After God answered his prayer, with his newfound strength, Samson knocked down the pillar, causing the temple to crumble on himself and 3,000 Philistines.

After being fatally injured by some Philistines, King Saul asked his armor bearer to kill him.

The most commonly known and recorded suicide in the Bible is the story of Judas after he betrays Jesus.

Augustine of Hippo said of this incident, "He did not deserve mercy; and that is why no light shone in his heart to make him hurry for pardon from the one he had betrayed, as those who crucified him were to do.

"[9] Some assert that the Biblical accounts of suicide do not have enough additional commentary within Scripture itself to understand what teachings would come from them.

Due to the lack of details, many assume that in ancient Israel, suicide may have been considered natural or even heroic.