Sara Mackey

HUMS 150B1

Mar 20, 2022

Written Response 9: Beer: The Advil of Ancient Egypt

Prompt: For this response, write at least 150 words on the way in which beer is used in ancient

Egyptian medicine according to the Ebers Papyrus. Then spend another 100 words (for a

combined total of 250+ words) discussing whether beer in ancient Egypt is a bigger or smaller

part of society than beer in modern America (there's no right or wrong answer here, just make

sure to justify your claims).

The Ebers Papyrus, written by ancient Egyptians circa 1550 BC, is a medical text. "Ebers

Papyrus is a 110-page scroll, which is about 20 meters long" (Ebers Papyrus: 1). This scroll

contained remedies and formulas for curing diseases and demons that had infected the body.

There are also various plants and herbs on the scroll that may be utilized to treat the ill. This is a

method of treating patients that incorporates the use of herbs into a "pharmacy" form of

treatment. Abdominal and intestinal disorders might benefit from this sort of therapy. Beer is the

most intriguing aspect of this scroll since it contains about 700 different medical remedies for

almost every ailment. According to the Papyrus chapters, beer was a common element in

medicinal medicine. Urinary discomfort can be treated with beer and other botanicals, as well as

providing pain relief to folks on their deathbeds. Beer was regarded as more than just an

alcoholic beverage in ancient Egypt. It was thought to be a gift from God. Nikasi, the Sumerian

goddess of alcohol, was even worshipped. Beer, they believed, was proof that God loved people

and just wanted them to prosper. Beer is popular in modern America as a way to unwind after a

long day at work or as a party drink. Americans drink beer to relax, watch TV, and play games.

Written Response 9 Beer The Advil of Ancient Egypt

Mind-Altering Substances in the Ancient World (HUMS150)