Medieval approaches to treating and preventing disease

History

In this unit, pupils learn about a theme in British history over a period of roughly 1000 years. They examine this theme, analysing the impact it had in Medieval, Early Modern, Industrial and Modern Britain, with a particular focus on change and continuity.

Thematic Studies

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of famine, disease, natural disasters.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Physical illness or injury, medical procedures, blood.

Depiction or discussion of serious mental health issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide or attempted suicide, or the aftermath of such an event.

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Write the missing word. {{}} involves an act that shows you are sorry for something that you have done.

what people believe is responsible for causing illness

acts to restore the health of those who are ill

acts to protect people from becoming ill in the first place

Match each of the terms with their correct description.

Which idea influenced the use of leeches as a medical treatment?

What was claimed to have cured Petronella of Polesworth of her epilepsy?

What were the sweet smelling aromatic balls used to protect people from miasma called?

Herbal remedies were never used in the medieval period

Herbal remedies were used in the medieval period but were all ineffective

Herbal remedies were used in the medieval period and were sometimes effective

Herbal remedies were used in the medieval period and were always effective

Write the missing word. Things that cannot be explained by our knowledge of science or nature are described as ...

Which medical idea suggested movements of the stars and planets could cause disease?

What was the main religion in medieval Europe?

What did people believe could cause miasma?

all human experiences were part of God's plan

diseases and illness mostly had natural causes

Which medical beliefs did medieval Christians draw from the Story of Job?

What humour was believed to be in excess if an ill person was sweaty and had a high temperature?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of mental health issues

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Medieval approaches to treating and preventing disease

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.