Science, Art, Litt, Science based Art & Science Communication
Scientific era is the best, if you can live in it correctly, that is!
Q: Our elders say, earlier, before the onset of the scientific era, people used to live very happily. Science changed all that. Now people are suffering like hell.
Did people really lived happily then? Are we suffering more now?
Krishna:
Sweden's Viking Age population appears to have suffered from severe oral and maxillofacial disease, sinus and ear infections, osteoarthritis, and much more. This is shown in a study from the University of Gothenburg in which Viking skulls were examined using modern X-ray techniques.
About a year ago, researchers published a report based on the examination of a large number of teeth from the Viking Age population of Varnhem in the Swedish province of Västergötland. Varnhem is known for its thousands of ancient graves and excavations of well-preserved skeletons.
Now, odontologists at the University of Gothenburg have taken this research further, looking at not only teeth but also entire skulls, by using modern computed tomography, also known as CT scans.
The results, presented in BDJ Open, suggest that the 15 individuals whose skulls were examined suffered from a broad range of diseases. The CT scans show pathological bone growths in the cranium and jawbone, revealing infections and other conditions.
Several individuals showed signs of having suffered from sinus or ear infections that left traces in the adjacent bone structures. Signs of osteoarthritis and various dental diseases were also found. All the skulls came from adults who died between 20 and 60 years of age.
The results of the study provide a greater understanding of these people's health and well-being. Everyone knows what it's like to have pain somewhere, you can get quite desperate for help. But back then, they didn't have the medical and dental care we do, or the kind of pain relief—and antibiotics—we now have. If you developed an infection, it could stick around for a long time."
Citation: Carolina Bertilsson et al, Findings from computed tomography examinations of Viking age skulls, BDJ Open (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41405-025-00309-9
- Malaria: A specific infection by falciparum malaria has been identified in Egyptian mummies. Malaria and schistosomiasis caused anemia, which impaired the ability of laborers to work.
- Schistosomiasis: Evidence of schistosomiasis has been found in an Egyptian mummy over 5,000 years old.
- Tuberculosis: Many mummified Egyptian pharaohs died from tuberculosis
- Leprosy: Mentioned in Egyptian scrolls from as early as 1550 BCE.
- Renal and vesical calculi: Common in ancient Egypt.
- Bacterial infections: Evidence of bacterial infections has been found in some bodies.
- Gout: Existed in the days of the Pharaohs
- Infantile paralysis: Existed in the days of the Pharaohs
- Appendicitis: Existed in the days of the Pharaohs.
- Arteriosclerosis: Common in ancient Egypt.
- Caries: A microbial disease that affected Egyptian pharaohs
- Pathogenic fungi: A microbial disease that affected Egyptian pharaohs
- Caste System:The rigid caste system caused significant suffering for lower castes, who faced discrimination, limited opportunities, and often lived in poverty due to their assigned social roles.
- Disease and Lack of Medical Advancements:With limited medical knowledge and sanitation practices, people suffered from widespread diseases like leprosy, malaria, and various infectious illnesses, often without adequate treatment.
- Natural Disasters:The Indian subcontinent is prone to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and earthquakes, which caused widespread suffering and economic hardship.
- Social Practices:Practices like child marriage, sati (widow burning), and infanticide were prevalent in certain regions, leading to significant suffering for women and children.
- Philosophical View of Suffering:Hinduism and Buddhism both acknowledge suffering as a part of life, but see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- Avidya (Ignorance): Considered the root cause of suffering, referring to not understanding the true nature of reality.
- Asmita (Ego): Attachment to one's self and identity, leading to suffering
- Raga (Desire): Craving and attachment to worldly pleasures, causing suffering when not fulfilled
- Dvesha (Aversion): Dislike and hatred towards others, contributing to suffering
The chief conditions mentioned during vedic period are fever (takman), cough, consumption, diarrhea, edema, abscesses, seizures, tumours, and skin diseases (including leprosy).
Citations:
https://www.britannica.com/science/history-of-medicine/Traditional-...
https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/the-like-button-an-ancient-cause...
Anxiety disorders in ancient Indian literature
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2990839/
Do you think people during ancient times lived happily after reading this?
At least we now have several remedies and solutions to all our problems. Science brought these solutions.
If you can't use the science-brought-solutions properly now and think our ancestors lived blissfully then without any proper solutions, you are highly mistaken.
Our forefathers suffered a lot.
Scientific era is the best, if you can live in it correctly, that is!
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