Comedians Russel Kane and Lucy Porter, along with bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight, join Brian Cox and Robin Ince to explore the science of mummification and the intriguing lives of Ancient Egyptians. They discuss the sophisticated pharmacology of the Ancient Egyptians, their unique death rituals, the challenge of determining the cause of death for mummies, and even compare mummification to modern-day beauty trends. The episode concludes with a funny anecdote and a hint at the next episode on psychology and magic.
Scientific techniques like radiography and computed tomography have revolutionized the understanding of ancient Egyptian medicine and healthcare.
Mummification of animals served various purposes, including religious offerings to different gods and honoring cult animals.
Deep dives
Medical and scientific techniques used to study Egyptian mummies
The scientific study of Egyptian mummies began with the discovery of x-rays in the late 19th century. This allowed for the examination of mummies without causing damage. The use of radiography and computed tomography (CT) scanning has provided detailed insights into mummies' anatomy, diseases, and causes of death. These techniques have also revealed the effectiveness of ancient Egyptian pharmaceutical treatments, with 64% of the analyzed remedies still being used today. Other advancements, such as proteomics, allow for the identification of diseases and the reconstruction of facial features. These scientific techniques have transformed our understanding of ancient Egypt's medical and healthcare practices.
Variety of mummified animals discovered in ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians mummified not only humans but also various animals. These animals served different purposes and were mummified in different ways. Cult animals, which were highly honored during their lives, received elaborate mummification similar to that of pharaohs. Animals were also mummified as food offerings, pets accompanying humans to the afterlife, and as votive mummies used for religious purposes. Votive offerings allowed people to communicate with specific gods, as different animals were associated with different deities. The practice of mummifying animals was a prevalent industry, with millions of animal mummies produced and offered to various gods.
The significance of mummification to the ancient Egyptians
Mummification was of great importance to ancient Egyptians because they believed in an afterlife. The preservation of the body, either naturally through burial in the desert or through chemical techniques, was crucial for the soul to continue its journey for eternity. Mummification allowed deceased individuals to enjoy the same food and pleasures of life in the afterworld. It provided a sense of continuity and permanence, emphasizing the Egyptians' desire to maintain an idealized existence beyond death. Mummification encompassed social classes, reflecting the belief that everyone deserved eternal life and well-being.
Advancements in Egyptian medicine and its influence on modern practices
Ancient Egyptian medicine was highly advanced and influential. The Egyptians had a deep understanding of human anatomy, which they gained through mummification practices. They developed early medical systems, including pharmacology and surgical techniques. Their pharmaceutical treatments, such as using honey to treat wounds and using specific oils to combat diseases, have been proven effective to this day. Their medical knowledge served as the basis for Western medicine, as it was passed down through the Greeks, Romans, and Arabs. By studying ancient Egyptian medical practices, we can gain insights into the origins of modern diseases and treatments.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince peel back the layers to explore mummification and the science of Ancient Egypt. They are joined by comedians Russel Kane, Lucy Porter and bio-medical Egyptologists Rosalie David and Lidija McKnight from the University of Manchester, as they learn about the scientific techniques that are helping to uncover the lives of Ancient Egyptians, including that of a woman who died running away from an axe murderer. They find out that much of modern western medicine was built on the Ancient Egyptians sophisticated pharmacology, though they should probably avoid the treatment for migraines which involves being slapped in the head by a fish.
Producer: Melanie Brown
Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem
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