I was reminded by yesterday’s Our Daily Bread of the findings of archaeologists who discovered King Tut’s tomb in 1922. Despite the local rumors that a curse would be placed upon anyone who entered this sealed tomb, they began preparations to carefully enter the tomb through the debris, and down the tomb’s interior chamber steps.
As they finally opened the door to the chamber in 1923, they began the long process of careful excavation. In 1924, their slow pace brought them to a sarcophagus with three coffins. (History.com) Then, they began finding the tomb-filled riches that had been placed there by the Egyptians to help usher the king into the afterlife.
Among the riches that were discovered included golden shrines, jewelry, statues, a chariot, weapons and clothing. There were small boats representing the journey to the netherworld and a shrine for the young pharaoh’s embalmed organs.
Also found within the tomb were honeycombs that contained honey that was still deemed to be edible.(thebeejournal.com) The reason that honeycombs with edible honey was placed in the Egyptian Pharaoh tombs, was later revealed in the oldest medicine book in the world.
The Egyptian Papyrus Ebers was found in 1873, containing a listing of over 800 medical problems and diagnoses. In addition, there were treatments and cures with recipes for these medical problems. Over half of the recipes included the use of honey. Once again… honey for the Pharaoh to help combat medical problems in the afterlife.
We do now know that honey naturally produces hydrogen peroxide which is included in antibacterial ointments and such. Honey proponents also point out that it serves as a preservative for meats and fruits. It has been held out as an antioxidant, amino acid and includes vitamins that also helps to reduce inflammation and assists in the regeneration of the skin.
I’m not writing this blog as an advertisement for honey, but I do find those tomb discoveries and their history to be interesting. I have also been fascinated to hear that (CNN) King Tut’s tomb has a 90% chance of having hidden chambers with more potential discoveries to be found.
I blog about the finding of honey and its medicinal properties from these ancient days. These Egyptian doctors would certainly be amazed by all the medications and treatments that are available for prescription today.
For some of our clients with permanent injuries, they will need continuing medical treatment and medications. So, we have a life care planner to prepare a future medical care plan to outline what will be needed, and the costs that are associated with the future care. These plans can include many different items and treatments. King Tut’s tomb is a reminder that Egyptian life care plans would have had items like honey, tiny boats and religious shrines for the afterlife plan. A bit different from today.
And for pic o’ day…