Gateway Chronicle 2021

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The <strong>Gateway</strong> <strong>Chronicle</strong> The Development of Medicine in Ancient Kemet The ancient civilisation of Kemet, which first began in the Nile Valley over 5000 years ago, was incredibly significant in the development of medicine, the effects of which can still be found today on modern society. However, the Ancient Egyptians also made huge strides forwards in agriculture from developing magnificent infrastructure to understanding the best agricultural practices. Their society, although incredibly influential in medicine, was even more so in the development in agricultural practices as more people had access to the benefits and therefore their quality of life increased more due to the development of agriculture, than medicine. Kemet civilisation made huge advances in medicinal practices which would have increased the life expectancy and quality of life for its citizens. Although many were priests, the profession of “physician” emerged which shows the changing attitudes and the realisation of the importance of medicine. Documented Ancient Egyptian medical literature suggests that physicians specialised in one area, allowing them to gain in depth knowledge of their expertise and to become more experienced with those diseases. Prior to the Ancient Egyptians, people led a largely nomadic lifestyle, where the idea of medical infrastructure would not have been applicable. However, in Kemet there was a system of government, law enforcement, an organized economy and a permanent population. This stability allowed medical research and infrastructure to develop, which improved the quality of life for citizens as they gained access to physicians with medical knowledge. One document from c.3400 B.C.E records over 700 remedies, magical formulas and incantations to repel disease causing demons. Although, some of their ideas were flawed in the cause of disease as they believe it was partly from the consequence of sin or the patient was under a “demonic attack”, they understood the importance of pharmaceuticals in healing, as well as the need for cleanliness in treating patients. This meant that many remedies did provide some relief from the illnesses and therefore there was a large influence on civilians. There were over 160 medicinal plant products with one being opium, which was used as an anaesthetic for tooth extraction. The surgeries performed were often successful with many surviving amputations and brain surgery for years; they even developed wooden amputations, as shown by the evidence from mummies. They had extensive surgical equipment, including but not exclusive to surgical stitches and cauterization, scalpels, forceps and adhesive plasters. This suggests that the Ancient Egyptians had methods of managing shock, blood loss and infection, which were aspects doctors struggled with until the 20 th century. Therefore, this shows how advanced their knowledge of medicine was as they were able to successfully navigate surgery. This knowledge meant they were able to treat a wider range of illnesses and diseases, therefore having a dramatic impact on the quality of life of Kemet civilians. 8
9 Although the development of medicine was extremely important for improving conditions for the Kemet civilisation, the development of agriculture was even more so. This was because everyone was able to access the more plentiful food, whereas it was predominantly just the wealthy who had access to medicine. Many technological innovations were developed such as the ox-drawn plough. This used oxen to pull the plough through the fields which recycled nutrients within the soil, meaning they were more successful in growing crops. Therefore, they had a more stable source of food and nutrition which is imperative in improving living conditions. Moreover, this revolutionised agriculture because it became less labour intensive and more efficient, allowing them to harvest much larger quantities. The design was so effective that similar versions are still being used by farmers in developing countries in the present day. Another important invention was the sickle. This was a curved blade used when cutting and harvesting grain and was significant as it harvested the staple foods of wheat and barley Hidden Voices more efficiently. This helped them gain food security, thereby increasing their quality of life as they had reliable access to nutritional foods. This was more significant than medicine, as if a society is starving, nutritional food is more important in regaining strength and health. However, the Ancient Egyptians irrigation systems which included canals and dams were the most influential development. This was because with a reliable water supply, it was possible to irrigate crops which helped in producing a constant supply of food, averting disease, malnutrition and famine. In 3100 BC King Menes, ordered the first perennial irrigation system to be built, which diverted water from the Nile into canals and lakes. This was effective as the River Nile was unpredictable and the Ancient Egyptians relied on its seasonal flooding which deposited nutrient rich soil onto the land. However, the creation of reservoirs in the canals, meant they could continue to irrigate crops even when the flood failed. These canals carried water to numerous farms and villages, so huge numbers benefitted. This allowed them to create
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