Medieval ideas about the causes of illness and disease
I can describe what ideas were used to explain the causes of illness and disease during the medieval period.
Medieval ideas about the causes of illness and disease
I can describe what ideas were used to explain the causes of illness and disease during the medieval period.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Religion was a widespread explanation for disease in the medieval period.
- Non-religious explanations were also used, including astrology, miasma and the Theory of the Four Humours.
- Medieval ideas lacked scientific proof and were often inaccurate.
- The Theory of the Four Humours was the most popular non-religious explanation for ill health.
- The Theory of the Four Humours claimed illness occurred when four liquids, or humours, in the body were out of balance.
Keywords
Supernatural - things that cannot be explained by our knowledge of science or nature
Astrology - the study of the positions and movements of stars and planets to say how they might influence people's lives
Zodiac signs - twelve signs representing both groups of stars and when people are born
Common misconception
Religion was the only medieval explanation for the causes of disease and illness.
Religion was a widespread and commonly used explanation for disease but many other theories were also used including miasma, astrology and the Theory of the Four Humours.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Medieval ideas about the causes of illness and disease, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Medieval ideas about the causes of illness and disease, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Medicine in Britain, c1250–present unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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