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Explain one way in which ideas about prevention of illness in the medieval period were similar to ideas about the prevention of illness in the modern period. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 3
Explain one way in which ideas about prevention of illness in the medieval period were similar to ideas about the prevention of illness in the modern period.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain one way in which ideas about prevention of illness in the medieval period were similar to ideas about the prevention of illness in the modern period. - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
One way in which ideas about prevention of illness in the medieval period were similar to ideas about the prevention of illness in the modern period
Answer
One significant similarity between the medieval and modern periods in terms of illness prevention is the emphasis on maintaining personal hygiene.
In the medieval period, people believed that cleanliness could prevent diseases. Bathing was considered essential to avoid illness, despite some cultural taboos surrounding it. The general practice involved regular washing and changing of clothes, as many thought that dirt and filth attracted illness.
Similarly, in the modern era, maintaining personal hygiene is universally recognized as a critical factor in disease prevention. Concepts like handwashing, bathing, and using sanitary practices are foundational in contemporary public health campaigns aimed at reducing the transmission of diseases.
Thus, both periods share a common understanding of the role of hygiene in preventing illness, although the methods and cultural contexts have evolved significantly.