Health, medicine and disease among the Hiberno-Norse from 800 to 1200 AD

Abstract

Culturally distinct Hiberno-Norse communities were prominent in Ireland from the ninth to the thirteenth centuries. Using historical, archaeological, literary and biological evidence this paper describes the experience of health, medicine and disease in this population during the period under review. Overall, the Hiberno-Norse people appear to have been prosperous, enjoyed good health and lived well, although some individuals were malnourished. Epidemics of unknown aetiology occasionally affected the Hiberno-Norse, through whom leprosy may have been introduced to Ireland. When disease struck, diet, herbs and surgery were resorted to by healers, many of whom are likely to have been women. This paper argues that Hiberno-Norse medical practice derived from both Gaelic and Norse traditions.