Week 2

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to Ancient Egyptian and Greek medicine, focusing on healing practices, deities, and the intersection of spiritual and physical healing.

What does the practice of 'ma'at' represent in Ancient Egyptian medicine?

It represents balance/order in the universe, where everything has its rightful place and is connected.

What is 'heke' in the context of ancient healing practices?

Divine power that healers can tap into in order to restore harmony.

Who is Sekhmet and what is her role in Ancient Egyptian healing?

Sekhmet is a healing deity known for causing plagues but also capable of healing, portrayed as a fierce and powerful deity.

What role does Isis play in Egyptian healing tradition?

Isis is seen as a protector and healer, known for reassembling Osiris and being invoked during childbirth.

What is the significance of the Opening of the Mouth ceremony?

It is a ceremony associated with rebirth into the afterlife and linked to the deity Maat.

How did Ancient Egyptians view health and disease?

Health and disease were viewed as manifestations of one’s relationship with both human and divine communities.

What kind of medical texts existed in Ancient Egypt?

Texts with incantations, 11 papyri classified as medical texts covering various medical fields like gynaecology and pediatrics.

Who were the 'swnw' in Ancient Egyptian society?

They were doctors/physicians, often associated with government or religious institutions, who communicated divine messages.

What was the role of the Wab priest in Ancient Egyptian healing?

The Wab priest was responsible for communication with the gods and diagnosing conditions after assessing symptoms.

What does medical pluralism signify in the context of Ancient Egyptian medicine?

Acknowledgment and integration of multiple healing practices, both rational and supernatural.

What is the historical significance of the Edwin Smith papyrus?

It contains cases of trauma and incantations, showing an early understanding of medical practice.

What was the impact of colonialism on the perception of 'primitive' medicine?

Colonialism contributed to a derogatory perception of non-Western medical practices while highlighting Western medicine's achievements.

Who was Thoth and what was his contribution to medicine?

Thoth was the god of knowledge who taught Isis to revive Osiris and balanced the violence of illness with the peace of health.

How did Ancient Egyptians incorporate spiritual elements into their healing practices?

They focused on treating the spiritual root of illness through rituals and remedies, not just the physical symptoms.

What ancient techniques did Egyptians use to treat infections?

They discovered antibiotic properties from certain bacteria and fungi and used natural products like beer containing tetracyclines.

What are some categories covered in Egyptian medical texts?

Gynaecology, pediatrics, gastroenterology, and treatments for ailments like bites and intestinal worms.

How was Apollo viewed in ancient Greek healing?

Apollo was seen as both the cause of illness and a healer, learning medicine from Chiron and playing a role in divine healing.

What role did divine intervention play in Greek medicine?

Greeks believed gods could cause and cure illnesses, and they sought to appease them for healing.

How did ancient Greeks perceive the nature of wounds and healing?

They acknowledged both natural and divine causes for wounds, often invoking divine figures for healing.

What was the relationship between gods and humans in the context of healing?

There were alliances between gods and humans, reflecting a blend of divine influence and human agency in healing practices.