Prehistoric Medicine

Question 1

What does “prehistoric” mean?

Answer 1

Before writing was invented

Question 2

How long did the prehistoric period last?

Answer 2

From about 10,000BC until 3000BC. In Britain the prehistoric period lasted until 43AD.

Question 3

What does “nomadic” mean?

Answer 3

Moving around a lot, following food sources.

Question 4

What was the main food of prehistoric people?

Answer 4

Meat, though they also gather edible wild leaves, roots ad berries. Streams and rivers provided clean water.

Question 5

Name 3 diseases/ conditions that were common among prehistoric people:

Answer 5

1. Osteoarthritis which may have been caused by carrying heavy objects.
2. Strain on knee joints has been found in bone remains.
3. Micro-fractures of the spine which were probably caused by dragging huge rocks across long distances.
4. Hyperextension ad torque of the lower back, which may have been caused by raising large boulders.
5. Infections from Pathogens, as antibiotics and vaccines were not yet known.
6. Rickets due to low quantities of Vitamins C and D.

Question 6

What was the life expectancy at that time?

Answer 6

For men it was ages 30 to 35, while women were only expected to live between 15 to 25 due to the risks of childbirth.

Question 7

What were prehistoric medicine men called?

Answer 7

Shamans

Question 8

What did they believe caused sickness?

Answer 8

An evil spirit invading the body or the loss of one’s own spirit.

Question 9

What was trepanning?

Answer 9

Trepanning was one of the earliest surgical practices involving brain. Trephination was the process of drilling a hole into the skull, anthropologists believe this was to cure migraines, mental disorders and epileptic seizures. This was an attempt to release the evil spirit from the skull thus curing the disease. The piece of skull was often worn as a charm to serve as a warning for other evil spirits.

Question 10

What ideas were used as cures for disease?

Answer 10

Natural-
1. Broken bones were set with mud and sticks as splints.
2. Cuts were covered with either moss or animal skins.
3. Herbs, plants, animal parts and minerals would have been seen as common ailments at the time.
Supernatural-
1. Chants.
2. Dancing.
3. Trepanning.
4. Prayer.
5. Rituals.