Ancient Egypt’s Healthcare System “Advanced and Successful”

The healthcare system in ancient Egypt, praised as “advanced and successful,” is the focus of a recent publication, Medicine and Healing Practices in Ancient Egypt, by researchers Rosalie David and Roger Forshaw.

The book, affiliated with the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom, takes a people-focused approach, revealing how healthcare providers and patients interacted in the land of the pharaohs for over three thousand years.

This in-depth study explores the details of medicine in ancient Egypt, focusing on pharmaceutical treatments that relied on minerals, plants, and animal parts. Simple surgeries, practical remedies such as bandaging broken limbs, and, to some extent, “magical” treatments were accessible to everyone in society, regardless of their status.

The researchers emphasize that, although our understanding of ancient Egyptian life is still incomplete, there is evidence indicating individuals had some say in selecting their healthcare providers.

Physicians’ religious and secular roles in ancient Egypt’s system

Inscriptions unveil the two-sided roles of physicians in ancient Egypt. They not only provided medical care but also acted as priests in temples dedicated to healing deities.

Payment for these services probably depended on what people could afford, ensuring that medical treatments were available to more than just the wealthy. Healthcare providers, including midwives, went to people’s homes for visits, and temple areas served as central spots for treatments and therapy.

Ancient Egyptians didn’t organize diseases into categories. Instead, their medical records focused on individual cases, noting symptoms and possible outcomes. They linked infectious diseases to deities or perceived enemies, leading to prayers, rituals, or what they viewed as “magical” treatments. Mental illnesses were documented based on symptoms rather than specific diseases, as reported by Archaeology magazine.

Moreover, the ancient Egyptians had a progressive attitude toward deformities and disabilities. People with disabilities weren’t excluded from temple work, and specific careers were set up to support diverse groups. This inclusive approach extended to old age, whereby cosmetic treatments were used to counter the effects of aging.

90% of the adult population did not live beyond the age of 50

In tackling the common issue of snake and scorpion bites, researchers emphasize the significance of the Brooklyn Papyrus, dating back to around 450 BCE, as one of the earliest examples of medical writing. This document details various snakes, their habitats, bite symptoms, and connections to deities.

The Brooklyn Papyrus suggests treatments ranging from practical measures to magical incantations. The Egyptians’ use of natron, a naturally occurring substance, reflects their practical expertise in treating these kinds of ailments.

Although the average life expectancy in ancient Egypt was comparable to other ancient societies, about ninety percent of adults didn’t live past the age of fifty.