Print this page The Medicine of Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egyptian medicine was among the most sophisticated in the ancient world, combining practical observation with religious belief and magical practice. This course explores how Egyptian physicians diagnosed illness, treated injuries and prepared medicines using evidence from medical papyri, surgical instruments and archaeological discoveries. Participants will also discover how modern technologies—including X-rays and CT scanning—allow researchers to investigate ancient mummies and better understand the health, diseases and daily lives of people who lived thousands of years ago. Suitable for anyone interested in ancient history, archaeology or the history of medicine.

DELIVERY MODE

Hybrid (Face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE RESOURCES

• Allen, J.P. (ed.) 'The Art of Medicine in Ancient Egypt', New York, 2005.
• Antoine, D. and Vandenbeusch, M. (eds.) 'Egyptian Mummies, Exploring Ancient Lives', Sydney, 2016.
• Harris, J.E. and Weeks, K.R. 'X-raying the Pharaohs', New York, 1973.

COURSE OUTLINE

• The world's oldest medical manual: the Edwin Smith Papyrus
• Medicine in Egyptian art and archaeology
• Medicine and Magic
• Modern medicine, ancient lives: medical imaging and mummified people

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Be familiar with the texts and tools used to practice medicine in ancient Egypt
• Understand the intersection of medicine, magic, and religion
• Recognise the modern technologies used to study ancient remains, their benefits, and ethical issues.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Participants should be aware that this course will contain images of deceased individuals.