Ancient Egypt

Toxicology in Antiquity: Ancient Egypt

Introduction

  • Focus on venomous snakes and insects in ancient Egypt

Major Documents (BBEE)

Brooklyn Papyrus (525-600 B.C.)

  • Examines snakebite

  • Held by the Brooklyn Museum

  • Paragraph 15 describes Apophis, which mythologically linked to evil

    • Likely identifies Boomslang (Dyspholidus typhus) in the Colubridae family

  • Presents symptoms and signs of snake envenomation

  • Treatment approaches: general for any snakebite or specific

  • Lack of treatment for bites from lethal snakes

  • Therapeutic measures largely symptomatic

Other Papyri

  • Berlin Papyrus

  • Edwin Smith Papyrus

  • Ebers Papyrus

    • Have lesser extent on toxicity

Notable Historical Figure

Cleopatra VII

  • Born 69 B.C.; significant figure in Egypt

  • Event: Marc Anthony's suicide (by a self-inflicted sword wound) leads her to follow suit

    • Supposedly holding an asp (Egyptian Cobra) for a venomous bite

  • Alternative theory: possible murder with poisonous draught by Octavian (victor in their battle)

    • Rumor of her suicide spread to avoid retribution by her adoring subjects