In the past, ancient Egyptian medicine has been the focus of research by scientists from a variety of disciplines, especially Egyptologists, historians of science, physicians, biologists, and pharmacists. The first part of the lecture will indicate reasons for insufficiencies in research by looking at the history of science. The second part will provide a methodological discussion and basic insights that have enabled the speaker to broaden our knowledge of ancient Egyptian medicine and beyond.

Prof. Dr. Tanja Pommerening is a specialist in the history of medicine and pharmacy as well as an Egyptologist. She is based at Philipps-Universität Marburg and is a leading scholar in the study of medical and pharmaceutical archives in Germany. Her broad academic interests and interdisciplinary approach both resonate with and complement the work of our department, while also offering perspectives that differ from our usual focus. The Department Artifacts, Action, Knowledge has invited her to share a multilevel perspective on Egyptian medicine, drawing on her extensive experience with ancient sources, as well as to offer a critical reflection on methodological approaches within the history of science.