Disease

In common with other cultures of the ancient world, disease and sickness were prevalent in Egypt and Nubia. Drawing on the evidence provided by human remains as well as texts, statuary and works of art, Joyce Filer describes some of the health problems suffered by king and commoner alike. Dental disease, chest complaints and parasitic infections from the waters of the Nile were a part of daily life for all Egyptians. Set against the background of the ancient Egyptian environment, the aetiology of various diseases is described, together with the efforts of individuals and society to cope with ill-health and infectious disease. "Disease" is part of the "Egyptian Bookshelf" series which explores themes of Egyptian life and culture in a format accessible to students and general readers with particular emphasis on the evidence of archaelogy.