Concept of Disease in Prehistoric Times

What was the first concept of disease believed by prehistoric man?

What is the study of demons or evil spirits called?

Prehistoric man used to hunt animals for food.

What procedure was performed to expel evil spirits from the head?

Who was considered the first physician?

According to the theological concept of disease, what caused illness?

The priests in ancient Egypt shared all their knowledge about the human body.

What method was mainly used by witch doctors to treat diseases?

What concept did the priests promote to maintain their control?

Concept of Disease in Prehistoric Times

Early humans were characterized by barbaric and brutal behaviors, including hunting animals and cannibalism.
Belief in evil spirits or demons formed the foundation of their understanding of disease.
The study of these entities is referred to as 'demonology.'
Illness was thought to be a result of being possessed by a demon, leading to the demoniac concept of disease.
Treatments aimed at appeasing evil spirits; rituals included worship and sacrifices.
Trephination, a surgical procedure where the skull was drilled, was practiced to expel evil spirits.
Witch doctors represented the first physicians, using magic, spells, and concoctions as treatments.
Evidence of prehistoric witch doctors is found in rock paintings, such as one in the Pyrenees mountains dating back 17,000 years.

Theological Concept of Disease

Around 4000 B.C. in Egypt, a shift towards a theological understanding of illness emerged.
Embalming practices involved the preservation of mummies, regulated by priests who maintained secrecy about anatomical changes.
Illness was attributed to divine displeasure; disobedience to God rendered individuals susceptible to sickness.
This belief allowed priests to maintain authority over the populace by promoting the idea of divine wrath as a cause of illness.
Theological explanations for disease supported mysticism and the priest's role as a healer, blending religious and medical practices.

Explore the understanding of disease in prehistoric times, from beliefs in evil spirits to practices like trephination. This quiz delves into how early humans interpreted illness through demonology and the role of early witch doctors. Test your knowledge on the foundations of ancient medical beliefs and practices.