The journey of painkillers is a fascinating tale that spans thousands of years, intertwining with the history of medicine, culture, and human civilization itself. This exploration through time reveals how ancient wisdom and discoveries laid the foundation for modern pain relief methods, highlighting humanity's enduring quest to alleviate suffering.   Ancient Beginnings The story begins in the depths of prehistory, where evidence suggests that even early humans used natural remedies to treat pain. Archaeological findings, such as the 60,000-year-old Neanderthal burial sites, have revealed traces of medicinal plants like yarrow and chamomile, known for their pain-relieving properties. The Cradle of Civilization In the cradle of civilization, the Sumerians inscribed the use of the poppy plant on clay tablets as early as 3400 B.C., marking one of the first recorded uses of opium. The Egyptians, too, documented their use of willow and myrtle leaves to treat pain and inflammation around