Résumé
In ancient times, the art of healing was a mix of instinct, empirical experience, magical and religious beliefs. Remedies, including plants, animals and minerals recommend by esteemed figures like Hippocrate, were often borrowed from ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian traditions. The mystical aspect was deeply attached to the understanding origin of diseases. It was also combined with the use of natural remedies, thus forming a complementary approach in the treating ailments. On the other hand, in the Middle Ages, magic found fertile ground as the West experienced a period of intellectual experience. The decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of Christianity put the western medical practice in the hands of the church, giving the already-existing magical side a more spiritual element. It was a time of growing ignorance, sparking to a slowdown in the medical innovations. However, the appropriation and the development of theories inherited from Arab-Muslim physicians such as Avicenna allowed the Hippocratic-Galenic thought to dominate until the advent of the Renaissance. By studying these crucial periods of history, our goal (aim) is to grasp a deeper understanding of how ancient societies conceptualized healing. We want to uncover the significance of beliefs, rituals, and myths played in their medical and pharmaceutical practices. By embarking on this journey, we are analyzing the evolution (progress) of how people perceived illness and recovery. In doing so, we are shedding light on how these deeply held beliefs influenced the very essence of healing and the connection between humans and the sacred.