Sickness and Health

Blessing a Baby Against Every Illness
By Ágnes Mihálykó
Christians of Egypt received blessing from the church in many forms: as prayers of inclination at the end of the Eucharist, when the celebrant blessed the congregation before their departure, as private blessings issued by holy monks, or as material blessings (eulogiai), such as oil from a pilgrimage centre. Read more here.

Caring for Cows in Ancient Egypt
By Jenny Cromwell
Tomb scenes and models show how important cattle were in ancient Egypt. From birthing to butchery, we see the experiences and uses of cattle. Read more here.

His Mind is Shrouded in Darkness
By Jenny Cromwell
Perhaps one of the best-known aspects of the Egyptian mummification process is that the brain was removed from the body and discarded. The brain’s function and importance were not understood. Instead, the heart was not only recognised as a beating organ that pumped blood, for the ancient Egyptian it was also the source of intelligence, emotions, and memory. Read more here.

“I am dying of a broken heart”
By Moudhy Al-Rashid
The Neo-Assyrian physician Nabû-tabni-uṣurseems once upon a time for reasons we may never know to have fallen out of favour with the court. Unlike his colleagues, he no longer received compensation for his work. Payments promised by the court never materialised. Concern for his financial well-being and his position in the court snowballed into fear. Read more here.

Sickness, Treatments, and Medical Books in Late Antique Egyptian Villages
By Jenny Cromwell
“I greet my Father Athanasios. I spoke to you about the medical book. I often wanted to come south, but looking after here has not allowed me to come south. I wanted to come south, (but) the roads prevented me. Now, please send it to me, either (by) Pmoute or give it to Aaron and he will send it to me via his brother. If I can examine it (for) two days, I will return it.” Read more here.

Warm Hoopoe’s Blood for the Eyes: A Coptic Remedy
By Jenny Cromwell
Ever suffered from dry eyes? A late Coptic medical text may have the cure for you! Read more here.