Medicine in Ancient Egypt was intertwined with magic. During that time, there was no clear division between science and religion.
Diseases were often believed to be decreed by the gods as punishments or caused by evil spirits inhabiting the body, which had to be expelled through rituals, spells, and amulets.
However, all of this was complemented by a highly practical approach to medicine, and some of the methods they used have endured the test of time.
Although we suspect that much knowledge was lost due to unfortunate events such as the disappearance of the Royal Library of Alexandria, we are aware that their rich culture, which thrived for over 3,000 years before the Christian era, was remarkably advanced.
Nevertheless, it is still astonishing what the ancient Egyptians already knew in the field of medicine. Here are some examples:
Surgery
The ancient Egyptians gained significant insights into human anatomy through their practice of mummification.
While preparing the deceased for their journey to the afterlife, they could observe the body’s various parts and correlate them with the diseases the individuals had experienced during their lives.
This knowledge enabled them to perform surgeries, and evidence of such procedures has been discovered in mummies, ranging from trepanation (skull piercing) to tumor removal.
Tooth Care
Despite their efforts to clean and thoroughly grind grains for flour, small pieces of stone and desert sand often found their way into meals, which could result in tooth damage and infection.
The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest known medical treatises, contains numerous recipes for fillers and ointments. One of these recipes explains how to treat a “tooth that itches to the skin’s opening” using the following ingredients: cumin (1 part), incense resin (1 part), and fruit (1 part).
Some recipes also incorporated honey, which possesses antiseptic properties. In other cases, they simply covered the cavities with linen.
Prosthetics
Ancient Egyptians required prosthetics for both the living and the deceased, with the latter perhaps holding greater significance.
It was believed that in order for the body to be complete in the afterlife, mummification was essential, as was the completion of any missing body parts before the journey.
However, prosthetics also served the living, facilitating daily functions, much like today.
The most renowned of these ancient prosthetics is the finger depicted in the photo, known to have been used by a woman during her lifetime. It stands as the oldest known prosthesis.
Circumcision or purity among the ancient Egyptians
Circumcision has been practiced in various societies throughout history, driven by medical and/or religious motives.
In Ancient Egypt, circumcision was a widespread practice to the extent that an uncircumcised penis was a rare sight.
The ancient Egyptians were not aware of female circumcision, but it was considered an essential rite for all males. Circumcision was typically performed starting at the age of ten. The ancient Egyptians believed that circumcision purged impurities from men.
Government-Controlled Medical System
Access to medical care in Ancient Egypt was tightly regulated by the government.
There were medical institutions that trained physicians, who underwent specific educational programs. These institutions admitted patients and provided treatment.
Medical manuals, such as the aforementioned Ebers Papyrus, documented ailments and their corresponding treatments.
Additionally, there are accounts of medical camps established near construction sites and quarries to attend to injured workers.
Furthermore, there are indications that if an accident occurred on the job, rendering the worker unable to work, compensation was provided.
Woman giving birth with five other women helping her.
Prosthetic finger from Ancient Egypt made of wood and tied to the foot with leather.
Circumcision in ancient Egypt. Papyrus depicting circumcision, reconstructed relief from private funerary mastaba of Ankh-ma-Hor
Eye problems were common and here a doctor is treating a patient.
Hesy-ra’s mastaba, a high officer of pharaoh Djoser, was the chief of dentists and doctors. 3rd dynasty circa 2700 BC
News
Unveiling the Ingenious Engineering of the Inca Civilization: The Mystery of the Drill Holes at the Door of the Moon Temple in Qorikancha – How Were They Made? What Tools Were Used? What Secrets Do They Hold About Inca Technology? And What Does Their Discovery Mean for Our Understanding of Ancient Construction Methods?
In the heart of Cusco, Peru, nestled within the ancient Qorikancha complex, lies a fascinating testament to the advanced engineering prowess of the Inca civilization. Here, archaeologists have uncovered meticulously angled drill holes adorning the stone walls of the Door…
Unveiling the Sun Stone: Aztec Relic from the Reign of Moctezuma II (1502-1520) – What Secrets Does It Hold? How Was It Used? What Symbolism Does It Carry? And What Does Its Discovery Reveal About Aztec Culture?
In the heart of Mexico City, amidst the bustling Plaza Mayor, lies a silent sentinel of ancient wisdom and artistry – the Sun Stone. This awe-inspiring artifact, dating back to the reign of Moctezuma II in the early 16th century,…
Uncovering the Past: Rare 1,000-Year-Old Copper Arrowhead Found – Who Crafted It? What Was Its Purpose? How Did It End Up Preserved for So Long? And What Insights Does It Offer into Ancient Societies?
In the realm of archaeology, every discovery has the potential to shed light on our shared human history. Recently, a remarkable find has captured the attention of researchers and enthusiasts alike – a rare, 1,000-year-old copper arrowhead. This ancient artifact…
Unveiling History: The Discovery of an Old Sword in Wisła, Poland – What Secrets Does It Hold? Who Owned It? How Did It End Up There? And What Does Its Discovery Mean for Our Understanding of the Past?
In a remarkable archaeological find that has captured the imagination of historians and enthusiasts alike, an old sword dating back to the 9th-10th century AD has been unearthed in Wisła (Vistula River) near Włocławek, Poland. This discovery sheds light on the rich…
Unveiling the Hidden Riches: Discovering the Treasure Trove of a Notorious Pirate – Who Was the Pirate? Where Was the Treasure Found? What Historical Insights Does It Reveal? And What Challenges Await Those Who Seek to Uncover Its Secrets?
A group of divers said on May 7 that they had found the treasure of the infamous Scottish pirate William Kidd off the coast of Madagascar. Diver Barry Clifford and his team from Massachusetts – USA went to Madagascar and…
Excavation Update: Archaeologists Unearth Massive Cache of Unopened Sarcophagi Dating Back 2,500 Years at Saqqara – What Secrets Do These Ancient Tombs Hold? How Will They Shed Light on Ancient Egyptian Burial Practices? What Mysteries Await Inside? And Why Were They Buried Untouched for Millennia?
Egypt has unearthed another trove of ancient coffins in the vast Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo, announcing the discovery of more than 80 sarcophagi. The Tourism and Antiquities Ministry said in a statement that archaeologists had found the collection of colourful, sealed caskets which were…
End of content
No more pages to load
