Mysteries of Ancient Medicine · SEASON 1
Queen Anne's Revenge, Tribal Trepanation, Thunderbolt
Episode 6 · 2026-04-30

- Documentary
Episode overview
Grim medical tools recovered from the pirate ship Queen Anne’s Revenge expose the harsh realities of medicine at sea. In Peru, ancient skulls marked by trepanation reveal sophisticated surgical practices. Evidence from Lewis and Clark’s expedition uncovers the use of “thunderbolts,” a powerful drug carried to survive the American frontier.
43 minutes
Season 1 episodes
1. Etruscan Gold Teeth, Soutra Aisle, The Two Toes2026-04-30
2. Rivers of Mercury, Ethics of Anatomy, The Black Death2026-04-30
3. Poison Panacea, A Shocking Treatment, Cannabis in China2026-04-30
4. Mummy Medicine, King of Poisons, Maya Sweat Baths2026-04-30
5. James Cook's Cup, Roman Army Hospital, Bamboo Scrolls2026-04-30
6. Queen Anne's Revenge, Tribal Trepanation, Thunderbolt2026-04-30
7. Abracadabra, Longmen Recipes, Belemnites2026-04-30
8. Barber Surgeons, Astrologist-Physicians, Ancient Indian Medicine2026-04-30
9. Relitto del Pozzino, Ancient Opium, Liang Tebo2026-04-30
10. The King's Evil, The Leper Skull, Ancient Cancer Treatment2026-04-30