Medical Treatments and Ailments in Old Mesopotamia
In Ancient Mesopotamia, the practice of medicine was deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs, with illnesses often perceived as divine punishments or manifestations of supernatural malice. This perspective led to a unique system of healing that combined spiritual intervention and herbal remedies[1][5].
Originated from the mist of antiquity, physicians in Mesopotamia served as instruments through which deities exercised their healing powers[6]. Gula, the goddess of healing, was the foremost figure who presided over the medical arts and influenced the profession for over two millennia[6]. A pioneer of many practices later associated with Greek medicine, Gula was aided by her family members, each with specific roles in diagnosing and treating various ailments[6].
One of Gula's sons, Ninazu, introduced the rod intertwined with serpents, which today serves as the symbol of the medical profession[6]. Ninazu's association with serpents, transformation, the underworld, and healing linked medicine with the divine realm[6]. Physicians in ancient Mesopotamia could thus be considered general practitioners, specialists, surgeons, dentists, faith healers, and therapists, all united under the guidance of the deities[6].
Respect for medical professionals was paramount in Mesopotamian society, as they were among the most highly educated individuals[6]. The path to becoming a physician required rigorous training, including the study of the cuneiform script and mastery of the scribal school curriculum for at least ten to twelve years before dedicating themselves solely to the medical field[6]. Recognized as doctors, Mesopotamian physicians generally led comfortable lives[6].
When engaged in their work, the primary objective of physicians was to heal people and maintain good health[6]. Similar to contemporary practices, the initial step was to diagnose the source of the illness. However, the cause for illness was almost always attributed to sin or transgressions, which provoked divine retribution[7]. Scholar Jean Bottero once observed that any violation of societal norms or religious rules led to punishment from the gods in the form of illness[7].
Approaching healing from a supernatural angle, the āšipu, or exorcist-priest, and the asû, or physician, relied on distinct yet complementary methods[1][5]. The āšipu performed rituals and incantations to expel evil spirits or defected souls, while the asû concocted herbal remedies and performed physical treatments[1][5]. This holistic approach aimed to address both the physical and spiritual components of the ailment.
Confession, incantations, and exorcism rituals were the primary tools of the āšipu, who served as intermediaries between the human world and the divine realm[1][5]. Through rituals, patients confessed their sins, thus seeking forgiveness and appealing to the gods[1][5]. Incantations and prayers were the storage of divine power that the āšipu harnessed to sanctify treatments and heal the afflicted[1][5].
The asû's role centered on herbal treatments and physical interventions[1][5]. They utilized over 250 plants and substances, many imported from distant lands, demonstrating a remarkable knowledge of botany and its spiritual application[1][5]. The asû administered herbal remedies, often accompanied by prayers or incantations to reinforce their healing powers[1][5].
Despite these spiritual underpinnings, Mesopotamian physicians were not held liable for failed treatments[6]. If they followed established protocols, they were absolved of blame when illnesses persisted, as the ultimate control lay with the divine entities involved[6]. Surgery was possible, but medical practitioners had no understanding of human anatomy or physiology due to religious restrictions on dissection[6].
In summary, ancient Mesopotamian medicine blended empirical herbalism with spiritual practices centered around the deities[1][5]. Illnesses were viewed as acts of divine retribution or manifestations of supernatural malice, necessitating both spiritual intervention and physical treatments[1][5]. This comprehensive approach integrated the physical, spiritual, and moral realms into a cohesive system that aimed to heal and restore balance[1][5].
[1] Bertman, S. Handbook to Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Oxford University Press, 2003.[2] Bottero, J. Everyday Life in Ancient Mesopotamia. Johns Hopkins University Press, 1992.[3] Kramer, S. N. History Begins at Sumer. University of Pennsylvania Press, 1988.[4] Kramer, S. N. The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character. University of Chicago Press, 1971.[5] Kriwaczek, P. Babylon: Mesopotamia and the Birth of Civilization. St. Martin's Griffin, 2012.[6] Medicine and Doctoring in Ancient Mesopotamia by Emily K. Teall Accessed 1 Dec 2016.[7] Medicine, Surgery, and Public Health in Ancient Mesopotamia by Robert D. Biggs** Accessed 1 Dec 2016.
The ancient Mesopotamians integrated science and health-and-wellness practices by relying on spiritual beliefs, with Gula, the goddess of healing, presiding over the medical arts and exerting significant influence for over two millennia. Physicians, who were among the most highly educated individuals, utilized a holistic approach, incorporating both herbal remedies and rituals to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases perceived as divine retribution or manifestations of supernatural malice, combining the physical and spiritual realms for effective healing.
