Babylonian Skull Cure
For the ancient Babylonians, most illnesses were thought to be the
result of demonic forces or punishment by the gods for past misdeeds.
Doctors often had more in common with priests and exorcists than modern
physicians, and their cures usually involved some component of magic.
For example, if a patient ground their teeth, the healer might suspect
that the ghost of a deceased family member was trying to contact them as
they slept. According to ancient necromantic texts, the doctor would
recommend sleeping by a human skull for a week as a way of exorcising
the spirit. To ensure this disturbing treatment worked, the
tooth-grinder was also instructed to kiss and lick the skull seven times
each night.
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