Magic and religion were part of medicine in ancient Egypt, and this carved stone, called a “stela,” was believed to hold healing powers. The stone once stood in the public part of a temple. If you had been bitten by a poisonous snake or a scorpion, you could come to the stone to be healed.

Carved onto the stone are various texts ands images, including thirteen magical spells, for example, a “spell against poison.” The magical power of all these texts and images was activated when the texts were read out loud. But there was another way to be healed. Water could be poured over the stela and it would run over the images and words and magically absorb their healing powers. The victim could then drink this water that could cure him from the inside.

Now, look for the figure standing in the very middle of the stone, looking out at you. We can tell he’s a young boy from the long curl of hair on the side. But this can’t be just any boy. He’s holding snakes and scorpions in his hands even a small lion! And look under his feet. He’s standing on two deadly crocodiles.

This is the Egyptian god Horus when he was a little boy. To the right of Horus is a god with long curving bird beak. This is Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, who also holds healing power! To the left of Horus are two more gods, on the very left is his mother, the goddess Isis. Horus was once cured of a poisonous bite. His story is written on the bottom part of this stone.

Do you want to hear the story? Just press PLAY, now.