Medicine through the Ages

“In medical knowledge the Egyptian leaves the rest of the world behind.” –Homer, Greek poet

“I swear by Apollo the physician . . . and all the gods and goddesses, and call them to witness that . . . I will prescribe treatments to the best of my ability and judgement for the good of the sick, and never for a harmful or illicit purpose.”—Hippocratic oath excerpt, ca. 500s BCE

Modern humans have been around for about 300,000 years, and medical technology grew alongside them. Ancient civilizations developed advanced medical techniques and devices that helped improve and extend people’s lives. Early people learned which plants could help with issues such as pain and anxiety and developed ways to treat injuries such as bone fractures.

The first written records of medical technology come from Egypt, but ancient people around the world recorded medical treatments and theories. Over centuries, doctors developed different surgeries, remedies, early forms of vaccination, and even hospitals. Even though not every treatment worked, each attempt helped advance medical knowledge and practice.

From chew sticks to plastic surgery, discover ancient medical technology and find out how early medical innovation shaped modern medicine.