15 Ancient Cultures That Used Advanced Surgery

Here's a look at 15 ancient cultures that practiced surprisingly advanced surgical techniques long before modern medicine existed.

Chris Graciano
December 4, 2025
4 min read

15 Ancient Cultures That Used Advanced Surgery — JAFAR AHMED on Unsplash

Ancient civilizations often understood the human body far better than we assume today, and satellite evidence, preserved texts, and excavated tools all point to impressive medical skill. From skull surgeries to complex wound treatments, these cultures developed methods that kept people alive in eras with limited resources. Their achievements show how deeply human beings have always fought to understand illness, manage pain, and heal one another.

1. 1. Ancient Egyptians

The Egyptians documented surgical procedures on papyrus scrolls, describing treatments for fractures, infections, and head injuries. Their use of sutures, splints, and early antiseptics shows they practiced medicine with remarkable precision for their time.

2. 2. Ancient Greeks

Wellcome Collection on Wikimedia Commons

Greek physicians performed operations ranging from wound cleaning to removing growths with bronze scalpels. Their detailed medical writings show an understanding of anatomy that shaped medical learning for centuries.

3. 3. Ancient Romans

Roman surgeons used specialized tools for procedures like cataract removal and battlefield wound repair. Their medical camps included trained personnel who carried out organized, systematic treatment long before modern hospitals.

4. 4. Indian Vedic Civilization

Texts like the Sushruta Samhita describe complex surgeries, including rhinoplasty performed with skin grafts. These techniques were so effective that later civilizations adopted and adapted them for their own medical practices.

5. 5. Chinese Dynasties

Ancient Chinese physicians performed procedures ranging from draining infections to setting broken bones with careful alignment. Their use of herbal anesthetics showed an early understanding of how to manage pain during treatment.

6. 6. Maya Civilization

The Mayan civilization practiced trepanation by cutting small openings in the skull to relieve pressure or treat injury. Evidence shows many patients survived, indicating skillful technique rather than blind experimentation.

7. 7. Inca Empire

Inca surgeons were known for highly successful skull operations using metal tools and plant-based antiseptics. Survival rates from these procedures were surprisingly high compared to similar treatments in medieval Europe.

8. 8. Ancient Mesopotamians

Clay tablets reveal that Mesopotamian healers performed minor surgeries. This includes operations like draining wounds and setting broken bones. They combined practical skills with early medical recordkeeping to track outcomes.

9. 9. Persian Empire

During their rule, Persian doctors wrote detailed descriptions of surgical preparations. These included cleaning instruments and preparing patients. Their practices helped shape later medical systems across the Middle East.

10. 10. Celtic Tribes

During an archeological dig, it was evident that these people treated fractures and healed wounds that required deliberate surgical care. Their methods included using natural antiseptics to prevent infection in harsh environments.

11. 11. Ancient Israelites

There are Hebrew texts that describe circumcision performed with a controlled and consistent technique that required specialized skill. Their laws around hygiene also contributed to safer surgical outcomes, which is proof of their advanced knowledge of medicine.

12. 12. Indigenous Australians

There is evidence from ancient communities that suggests the use of complex wound care and deliberate bone-setting techniques in ancient Australia. Their knowledge of natural medicines helped reduce infection and pain.

13. 13. Polynesian Cultures

Island communities used sharpened shells and plant fibers. These people used them to perform surgical work like stitching deep cuts. Their understanding of herbal numbing agents made these procedures more bearable.

14. 14. Ancient Japanese Cultures

Early Japanese medical texts describe abscess removal and careful treatment of severe injuries. These ancient texts’ ability to control bleeding and clean wounds helped patients survive procedures that would otherwise be fatal.

15. 15. Ancient Nubians

During an excavation, there were Nubian remains that show healed surgical sites, including tooth extractions and bone repairs. Their work suggests a blend of practical techniques and natural remedies that made treatment surprisingly effective.