Scientists Take Another Look at Ancient Medicines

Originally published May 16, 2009| Richmond Times-Dispatch | by Tom Avril, Philadelphia Inquirer

Ancient Egypt was renowned for its prowess in the field of medicine, so much so that sick people went there from abroad in search of herbal remedies.

Archaeologists know that the herbs were administered in a potent blend with wine. But the identity of many of those medicinal additives is a mystery -- their names recorded in hieroglyphics that have resisted modern efforts at translation.