The document provides a historical overview of the development of nursing from pre-Christian times through the modern era. Early civilizations like Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, India, and Hebrew practiced various forms of basic healthcare and nursing. Nursing began as instinctive caregiving by mothers and communities. Over time, healthcare became more formalized with the establishment of medical systems, hospitals, and nursing roles by cultures and religious institutions. Major developments included Hippocrates establishing the foundation of modern medicine in Greece and Sushruta pioneering surgery techniques in ancient India. The modern nursing profession emerged in the 19th century influenced by figures like Florence Nightingale.