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Medical Secrets of Ancient Mesopotamia: Why Were Their Physicians So Revered?
In ancient Mesopotamia, the status of doctors was not only respected by the world, but also surrounded by mysterious powers. Ancient Mesopotamia encompassed the region that includes present-day Iraq, Kuwait, Syria, Iran, and Turkey, and medical knowledge and practices here have a long history and profound cultural heritage. These doctors balanced natural and supernatural beliefs, making their medical approach not limited to drugs and surgery but also incorporating ritual and prayer.
"Doctors in ancient Mesopotamia were not only medical practitioners, but also bridges between society and religion."
In the early civilization established by the Sumerians, medical practices were closely related to religious beliefs. Their rudimentary understanding of the causes of disease is evidenced by the medical texts they recorded in cuneiform, which detailed prescriptions for medications and surgical procedures. This knowledge gave rise to professional doctors, including bârû as prophets, âs[h]ipu as exorcists, and healers asû .
"These specialized medical professions reflect the ancient society's emphasis on health and respect for medicine."
Especially during the Babylonian period, the emergence of monographs such as "Diagnostic Manuals" marked the maturity of medical diagnostic technology. Doctors began to use the results of observations to infer diseases. Their diagnosis relies not only on experience but also on symbolic interpretation. The relationship between doctor and patient was still influenced by religious beliefs, with patients expecting doctors to use rituals to ward off evil spirits.
The medical systems in ancient Egypt were similar to those in Mesopotamia. Ancient Egyptian doctors were known for specializing in a certain profession. Herodotus once pointed out that Egyptian doctors had their own specialties and the medical system had a clear division of labor, which showed the importance and development of medicine in ancient civilizations. Such a medical system gives doctors an important position in society, which actually echoes religious leaders to a certain extent.
"The knowledge recorded during this period of ancient medicine will become the cornerstone of future medical development."
However, neither Mesopotamian nor Egyptian medical methods were divorced from the laws of nature, and many ancient medical practices still try to find explainable causes. The intersection of religious beliefs and medical knowledge fostered a highly comprehensive medical philosophy. Doctors are practitioners of medical treatment and highly respected figures in society. As times change, the skills of these doctors are gradually respected and praised.
Similarly, similar phenomena also existed in the medical systems of ancient China and ancient India. People's concern for health and medical needs inspired these civilizations to develop their own unique medical knowledge systems. With the help of these ancient documents, we can not only understand the uniqueness of ancient medical treatment, but also appreciate the efforts made by human beings for health.
"From the history of ancient medicine we can see that the understanding of health and disease is an integral part of human culture."
Ultimately, ancient Mesopotamian doctors were able to leave a mark on history because they fully integrated science, spirituality and social knowledge. Should today's medical practice still re-examine these ancient wisdoms?
