Roman Medicine

Disease and Medcince- One common yet deadly disease was Malaria, which translates to "bad air." This disease came from swamps and sewage water. To prevent the spread of Malaria, people turned to cath houses and fresh water. Those who were inflected, spent time in Hospitals and rooms or suits where they were taken care of. When people visited a doctor or hospital, they were often perscribed medication. Pills often contained dried bugs and herbs. Other medication included treatments for aspitudines, or inflamation, lippitudines, or eye issues, and caligines, or cataracts. Three of the most influencial medications in surgery were Opium, Henbane, and Mandrake. Opium was used to numb patients, Henbane was used to induce sleep, and Mandrake was used to slow the heart and reduce pain. Lastly, Romans attempted to be proactive. Many doctors experimented on people in the town to find cures while helping those in need. Doctors also emphasized how fitness is a key factor of good health.

Surgery - Surgery in Rome was extremely impressive and quite sucessful, with low fatality rates. Romans developed and improved Greek methods and tools, as well as invented their own. Some of these tools included the Vaginal Speculum, to diagnose and treat urinary disorders, the Cautery, a sharp all-purpose tool often used to destroy tumors, and the Hook, used to disect blood vessels. Surgical procedures were also very advanced. First, surgeons would put their patient to sleep usn narcotic drugs. They would then position themselves in specific postitions to be comfortable, yet efficent. Assistants then stood next to the main surgeon, between the surgeon and the tools. When it was needed, the assistant would hand tools to the surgeon or help steady the patient. Common procedures includd brain and plastic surgery. Brain surgeons would drillinto the scull of the patient to relieve pressure. Plastic surgeons did procedures to repair earlobes and reduce the appearance of scars. Plastic surgeons also used needles to operate on an patients eyes when needed. These surgeons used tools such as scalpels, scissors, bone forceps, and more.

Origin and People - The majority of Roman's knowledge regarding medice, came form the ancient Greeks and Greek doctors within Rome. Rome lacked a medical system for a whole 600 years. Without learning from the Greeks, Roman medicine would not have been as sucessful as it was. Before there was a medical system, Rome suffered from poor hygine and lack of hopsitals. Before the Greeks, most Romans believed that the head of the family knew enough, regarding medicine, to perform remedies and help cure those who were ill within the household. However, after the develpoment of a medical system, there were many famous Roman doctors too. One of which was Doctor Gale, who invented blood letting, taking one's pulse, and wrote a well known book on human anatomy. With advances in medicine, Rome was able to create hospitals, mainly for wounded soldiers, and develop surgical procedures.

Doctors and Women - Famous doctors in Rome attracted more crowds than actors or chariot riders. Some even performed public procedures or surgeries to gain business and fame. Doctors were also assigend to certain households, families, or places such as farmlands, gladiator stadiums, athletes, etc. Doctors also specialized in areas such as surgery, eyes, and ears.Women in Rome also had a chance to be a part of the medical profession. Women were often midwives or obstetricians. Male and female doctors often earned a great deal of money. The medical profession also included the Hippocratic Oath and dentistry. Lastly, the opinion and orders of a doctor were well valued. The Law of Locrians states that if any sick person disobeys doctor's orders, they are to be punished to death, in case of recovery.

Roman Medicine

Roman medicine aids in saving lives, improving lives, and educating the people of Rome about common disease as well as proper hygine. Before the Medical system was put into place, poor hygine was the main source of illness, and ultimately death, within Rome. Imrovements in cures, treatments, and surgeries, many lives were saved and improved. Plastic surgery also helped people live happier lives, including slaves. Many freed slaves had the appearance of their scars reduced, in order to be recognized as a citizen rather than a former slave. Additionally, the medical profession allowed women to play an important role in the increase of the population and treating other women in need. Lastly, and most importantly, Rome was the first civilization to introduce a public health program regardless of wealth, thus saving numerous lives while keeping the people of Rome happy.

Sustaining the Empire

Thesis: Advances in Roman medicine aided in sustaining the empire through advanced surgery and medications that were adapted from Greeks and improved upon in Rome, which save and imporve lives, as well as keep the people happy, regardless of status.

Common herbs and remedies used include tobacco, cocoa leafs, opium, cannabis, and pslocybin.(healthcare-bindu-bh.blogspot.com)

Romans developed and invented many efficent surgical tools including the scalpel. (emssolutionsint.blogspot.com)

Roman doctors often used assistants while performing surgery in order to prevent mishaps or conplications. (animalnewyork.com)

How were common illnesses cured or treated?

What surgical tools and techniques were used within Rome?