Mysteries of Ancient Medicine

1 season available

Strange, ingenious, and terrifying healing traditions from the ancient world; combining archaeology, forensics, and stylized reconstructions, it explores topics like toxic remedies, pirate cures, early acupuncture, and Roman battlefield surgeries.
Etruscan Gold Teeth, Soutra Aisle, The Two Toes
S1 E1

Ancient clues reveal bold dentistry, hospital secrets, and an arcane prosthetic.

Rivers of Mercury, Ethics of Anatomy, The Black Death
S1 E2

Learn about China's immortal emperor, a rebel scholar and the Black Death.

Poison Panacea, A Shocking Treatment, Cannabis in China
S1 E3

Strange stones, electric catfish and ancient cannabis reveal healing's hidden past.

Mummy Medicine, King of Poisons, Maya Sweat Baths
S1 E4

Macabre cures, toxic tonics and Mayan healing rituals reveal medicine's wild past.

James Cook's Cup, Roman Army Hospital, Bamboo Scrolls
S1 E5

A toxic healing cup, Roman medicine and lost secrets of China are explored.

Queen Anne's Revenge, Tribal Trepanation, Thunderbolt
S1 E6

Grim sea cures, ancient surgery and toxic remedies reveal medicine's extremes.

Abracadabra, Longmen Recipes, Belemnites
S1 E7

Roman spells, stone-carved cures and fossil relics blur medicine and magic.

Barber Surgeons, Astrologist-Physicians, Ancient Indian Medicine
S1 E8

Bloodletting barbers and star-reading physicians are medicine's ancient roots.

Relitto del Pozzino, Ancient Opium, Liang Tebo
S1 E9

Roman remedies, ancient opium and Stone Age surgery rewrite medical history.

The King's Evil, The Leper Skull, Ancient Cancer Treatment
S1 E10

Royal cures, ancient disease and early surgery reveal medicine's darkest hopes.