In a world where technology dominates every aspect of life, preppers often turn to ancient wisdom to enhance their survival strategies. The ancients lived in harmony with nature, utilizing time-tested methods that are still effective today. Here are a few ancient techniques that modern preppers can adopt to ensure survival in any situation.
1. Fire Crafting: The Bow Drill Method
Before the advent of matches and lighters, fire was a precious commodity, essential for warmth, cooking, and protection. The bow drill is one of the oldest and most reliable fire-starting methods. Used by ancient civilizations across the globe, this technique involves creating friction between a spindle and a fireboard to generate heat and, eventually, a flame.
Modern survivalists can incorporate this skill into their repertoire. With just a few basic tools—a sturdy branch for the bow, a spindle, a fireboard, and some cordage—you can start a fire even in adverse conditions. Mastering the bow drill not only provides a reliable fire-starting method but also enhances your connection to ancient survival skills.
Bayite Bow Drill Fire Starter Kit
A complete bow drill kit for learning and practicing ancient fire-starting techniques.
Ferro Rod Fire Starter
For those who want a modern backup, the überleben Zünden Bushcraft Ferro Rod Fire Starter is a durable, reliable option.
Tinder-Quik Fire Tabs
Pre-made tinder like Tinder-Quik Fire Tabs makes starting a fire with a bow drill easier by providing quick ignition material.
Survival Fire Steel Kit
The Bushcraft Survival Fire Steel Kit includes traditional fire-starting tools like steel and flint, complementing your bow drill skills.
2. Foraging and Herbal Medicine
Long before supermarkets and pharmacies, ancient cultures relied on their knowledge of local plants for food and medicine. Foraging for edible plants and using herbs for healing are skills that have been passed down through generations.
Modern preppers can benefit from studying the plants in their region. Knowing which wild plants are safe to eat and which have medicinal properties can be life-saving in a survival scenario. For example, ancient civilizations like the Native Americans used plants like yarrow for wound healing and dandelion for its nutritional value. By incorporating foraging and herbal medicine into your survival plan, you gain access to a natural and renewable source of food and healthcare.
An essential guide for identifying edible plants in the wild.
This book teaches the basics of herbal medicine, offering recipes and instructions for creating your remedies.
The Foraging Belt Pouch by Bushcraft Survival Gear is a durable and portable pouch for collecting wild edibles.
The Herb Drying Rack by Homend helps you dry and preserve herbs for medicinal use.
3. Water Purification: Ancient Techniques
Access to clean water is crucial for survival, and ancient civilizations developed ingenious methods for purifying water long before modern filtration systems existed. One such method is the use of charcoal filters. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used charcoal to remove impurities from water, a practice that has been confirmed by modern science as effective.
To create your own charcoal filter, simply layer crushed charcoal between sand and gravel in a container, allowing water to pass through. This method can be used in conjunction with boiling or solar distillation for added safety. In a survival situation, knowing how to purify water using ancient methods can mean the difference between life and death.
LifeStraw Flex Advanced Water Filter with Gravity Bag
A portable water filtration system that includes charcoal for purification.
Sawyer Products Mini Water Filtration System
Compact and efficient, this filter can attach to water bottles or be used with a straw.
Survival Water Purification Tablets
The Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets are a quick solution for treating water in emergency situations.
Charcoal Briquettes
Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes can be used to create a DIY water filter by crushing the charcoal and layering it with sand and gravel.
4. Shelter Building: Lean-to and Debris Huts
When it comes to shelter, ancient techniques are often the most practical. Indigenous peoples around the world have built shelters using only natural materials, providing protection from the elements without the need for modern tools.
The lean-to and debris hut are two ancient shelter designs that are both simple and effective. A lean-to can be constructed with branches, logs, and a tarp or leaves, offering protection from wind and rain. A debris hut, made by piling leaves and branches over a framework, provides insulation and warmth. These shelters can be built quickly and are ideal for survival situations where time and resources are limited.
A versatile tarp ideal for constructing lean-to shelters.
Perfect for gathering branches and other materials for shelter construction.
TOUGH-GRID 550lb Paracord is strong and reliable for tying down tarps and constructing shelters.
The Woodlander Bushcraft Hand Auger Wrench allows you to drill holes in wood for constructing more complex shelters.
5. Hunting and Trapping: Primitive Methods
Before the invention of firearms, ancient hunters relied on bows, spears, and traps to catch their food. These primitive methods are still relevant today and can be invaluable in a survival scenario.
Learning to craft simple traps, such as snares or deadfalls, can provide a steady source of protein when other food sources are scarce. Practicing with traditional hunting tools like the bow and arrow not only hones your skills but also connects you with the practices of our ancestors who thrived in the wild.
A collection of pre-made snares for trapping small game in the wild.
A traditional bow for hunting, combining ancient design with modern materials.
The Huntingdoor Folding Slingshot is compact, powerful, and useful for small game hunting.
The Best Glide ASE Survival Fishing Kit offers a compact and comprehensive set of tools for catching fish in a survival scenario.
6. Navigation: The Art of Wayfinding
Long before GPS and compasses, ancient civilizations navigated using the stars, the sun, and natural landmarks. Polynesian wayfinders, for example, used the position of the stars and ocean currents to travel vast distances across the Pacific Ocean.
For modern preppers, learning the basics of celestial navigation and understanding how to read natural signs can be crucial in a survival situation. Whether you’re lost in the wilderness or navigating your way through a post-apocalyptic landscape, ancient wayfinding techniques can guide you to safety.
Star Finder Navigational Wheel
A practical tool for learning celestial navigation.
Cammenga Official US Military Tritium Lensatic Compass
A military-grade compass for reliable navigation.
Suunto MC-2 Compass
This mirror compass helps with precise navigation and includes a clinometer for measuring slopes.
Celestial Navigation: A Practical Guide to Knowing Where You Are
A book that teaches celestial navigation techniques, perfect for mastering this ancient skill.
The wisdom of our ancestors offers invaluable lessons for modern survivalists. By incorporating ancient techniques into your prepping strategy, you gain a deeper understanding of self-reliance and resilience. These time-tested methods have stood the test of time for a reason—they work. As you prepare for whatever the future may hold, don’t overlook the power of ancient knowledge in ensuring your survival.
