Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Birth Control in #AncientEgypt

In ancient Egypt, “Birth control and abortions were available to married and unmarried women” (Mark, 8).

The #EbersPapyrus from #1500BCE, describes a “prescription to make a woman cease to become pregnant” (Mark, 8). The oldest known medical papyrus, the #KahunPapyrus (#1800BCE), “deals with diseases of women” (Watterson, 20).

“All children, whether boys or girls, were welcome at birth by ancient Egyptians” (Watterson, 17).

#WomensRights #Autonomy #AncientGynecology #BirthControl #Abortion #Histodon #AncientHistory