Reading Passage: Ancient Egyptian Medicine

Ancient Egypt is well known for its pyramids, hieroglyphs, and mummies. However, one of its lesser-known achievements is its advanced medical knowledge. Egyptian doctors were highly respected in their time, and their expertise influenced Greek and Roman medicine.

The Egyptians believed that illness was caused by supernatural forces or an imbalance in the body’s fluids. As a result, their treatments included both practical and religious elements. Doctors used herbs, honey, and animal products to create medicines, while also relying on prayers and magical spells to assist in healing.

One of the most significant medical documents from Ancient Egypt is the Ebers Papyrus, dating back to around 1550 BCE. This medical text contains hundreds of remedies for various ailments, including infections, wounds, and digestive issues. Many of the treatments described in the Ebers Papyrus are surprisingly effective. For example, honey, which was commonly used to treat wounds, is now known to have antibacterial properties.

Egyptian physicians also performed simple surgeries and set broken bones. They used splints, bandages, and even stitches made from natural fibers. Some scholars believe that Egyptian medicine laid the foundation for modern surgical techniques.

Despite their medical advances, Egyptian doctors had limited knowledge of human anatomy because dissection was generally forbidden due to religious beliefs. Instead, much of their understanding came from their work with mummies, as they carefully removed organs during the mummification process.

Ancient Egyptian medicine was not perfect, but it represented a major step forward in medical history. Many of their techniques, such as the use of natural remedies and surgical procedures, are still relevant today.