Students and staff will be able to learn how ancient technology influenced medicine and surgery in Ancient Egypt on Monday.

“Technology of Medicine in the Age of the Pharaohs,” is part of “A Futuristic Look through Ancient Lenses: A Symposium on Ancient Egypt” series sponsored by the School of Technology, Lumpkin School of Business and Booth Library.

Thomas Hawkins, associate professor in the School of Technology, will explore the role technology played in how Ancient Egyptians used medicine and surgery.

Hawkins said it is important to recognize how technological developments changed the way the Egyptians approached medicine and surgery.

“You can think of any number of examples from the current practice of medicine how technological innovation has influenced medical care and practices,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins also said advanced technologies, both past and present, have changed people’s reliance on medicines to fix their problems.

Hawkins said the influence of Egyptian technology still have effect in the present time.

“These ancient dynamics still play out now and will play out in the future,” Hawkins said.

Wafeek Wahby, a professor of construction technology in the School of technology and an organizer of the symposium, said the presentation provides students with a unique opportunity to step back from their daily lives and learn from the past.

Wahby, who was born and raised in Egypt, said when he ventures back to his home country, he still wonders at the level of knowledge and technology the Ancient Egyptians had and is in awe.

“Students, at large, are more concentrated on themselves,” Wahby said.

He said he sees students who are always busy texting or online.

Wahby said it is important for students to take time out of their busy lives to “look away and see what other people are doing and learn from them,” and to see the great contributions Ancient Egypt has made to society.

“Technology of Medicine in the Age of the Pharaohs” will be presented from 11 a.m. to noon on Oct. 31 in Room 4440 in Booth Library.

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].