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"The cause of disease was usually understood as the consequence of sin and, when that seemed not the case, that the patient was under a demonic attack, was being plagued by an angry ghost, or that some god felt they needed to learn a lesson. Disease, therefore, was commonly treated through recitation by a doctor of magical spells (Joshua J. Mark. 2017)."
Ancient Egyptian medicine was a complex and sophisticated system that developed over thousands of years. The Egyptians believed that health and well-being were closely tied to the balance between the physical body and the spiritual realm. Their medical practices were influenced by a combination of empirical observations, religious beliefs, and magical rituals.
Ancient Egyptian medicine was highly advanced and influenced both Greek and Roman medicine. "Ancient Egyptian physicians were highly respected and held in high regard by the society, often serving as priests as well (Price, Forshaw, Chamerlain, Nicholson, Morkot, Tyldesley. 2016)." The physicians, known as "swnw," were highly respected and specialized in various fields such as surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, and obstetrics. "The ancient Egyptians practiced medicine with highly professional methods. They had advanced knowledge of anatomy and surgery. Also, they treated a lot of diseases including dental, gynecological, gastrointestinal, and urinary disorders. They could diagnose diabetes and cancer. (Metwaly, Ghoneim, Eissa, Elsehemy, Mostafa, Hegazy, Afifi, Dou. 2021)." They had a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology, believing that imbalances or blockages in the body's channels caused illness. The Egyptians valued cleanliness and hygiene, recognizing the healing potential in massage and aromas. They had specialized male and female doctors who were skilled in their respective fields.
Despite not understanding germs, the Egyptians prioritized cleanliness, resulting in a lower mortality rate following medical procedures compared to European hospitals until the mid-20th century. However, their understanding of internal organs was limited, and they attributed disease to supernatural forces, often treating it through magical spells. The Egyptians faced a wide range of diseases and ailments, including bilharziasis, trachoma, malaria, dysentery, smallpox, pneumonia, cancer, heart disease, dementia, typhoid, arthritis, high blood pressure, bronchitis, tuberculosis, appendicitis, kidney stones, and liver disease.
"Ancient Egyptians did not have a clear dichotomy between both medicine and magic, they considered health and illness resulted from a person’s relationship with the universe including people, animals, good and bad spirits (Metwaly, Ghoneim, Eissa, Elsehemy, Mostafa, Hegazy, Afifi, Dou. 2021)." Treatment in ancient Egyptian medicine involved a combination of natural remedies, magical rituals, and surgical interventions. Herbal medicines, such as aloe vera and garlic, were commonly used, along with techniques like bloodletting, enemas, and massages. Magical rituals and spells were also significant, as the Egyptians believed in invoking the power of gods and goddesses for healing. Surgical procedures, including bone setting and tumor removal, were performed using various instruments.
Despite some practices seeming primitive by modern standards, ancient Egyptian medicine was highly advanced for its time. Their knowledge of anatomy, surgical techniques, and the use of natural remedies left a lasting impact on modern medical practices, particularly in the fields of anatomy and surgery. "Herbal remedies played a significant role in ancient Egyptian medicine, with plants like aloe vera and garlic being commonly used for their healing properties (Price, Forshaw, Chamerlain, Nicholson, Morkot, Tyldesley. 2016)."
The Ebers Papyrus
The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical document dating back to 1550 BCE, offers valuable insights into the medical practices and beliefs of the time. With over 800 remedies and treatments, it showcases the advanced understanding of anatomy and medicinal properties possessed by the ancient Egyptians. Additionally, the inclusion of magical and supernatural beliefs in medical practices reflects their belief in the power of magic. The Ebers Papyrus has had a lasting impact on modern medicine, serving as a reference for medical practitioners and contributing to our understanding of the history and development of medical knowledge.
The Edwin Smith Papyrus
Dating back to approximately 1600 BCE, the Edwin Smith Papyrus stands as a remarkable relic, serving as the oldest known surgical manuscript in existence. This remarkable document showcases the advanced medical knowledge of ancient Egypt. It provides a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and treating various injuries and ailments, with meticulous categorization and detailed descriptions. What sets it apart is its rational approach, relying on observation and experimentation rather than supernatural explanations. The papyrus also reveals precise surgical techniques for procedures like tumor removal and abscess treatment. This ancient manuscript is a testament to the brilliance and wisdom of ancient Egyptian physicians, offering timeless insights into the pursuit of healing. Composed in the hieratic script of ancient Egypt, this invaluable document sheds light on the medical practices of that era. Within its pages, Plate 6 and 7, depicted here, delve into the intricate realm of facial trauma, offering insights into the treatment and understanding of such injuries during that time.
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