Ancient Romans

Question 1

What did people believe to be the cause of disease during the Roman Empire?

Answer 1

1. Bad air and bad smells
2. The theory of the four humours
3. Punishment from the gods or as a result of curses

Question 2

What were the treatments and preventions of disease during the Roman Empire?

Answer 2

1. They built settlements and homes away from swamps
2. Bleeding, purging and exercising
3. Worshipping gods, built temples
4. Natural remedies

Question 3

What was public health like after the Romans left Britain?

Answer 3

1. Streets had two open gutters- bacteria spread easily as they were not covered
2. Open sewers carried refuse to the river- when it rained the waste would cover the streets- people would wash clothes and drink out of the river
3. Streets were covered in rubbish, human and animal waste- attracted rats and spread of bacteria would increase
4. Wells for collecting water were close to cesspits
5. Lead pipes were only laid down if funded- usually leaked, gave water bad taste and could give people lead poisoning
6. The laws the government passed were not strictly enforced
7. In most places there was no public provision of clean water
8. Only the rich, monasteries and convents had high standards of cleanliness
9. Latrines were expensive to install
10. 13 toilets for whole population of London compared to the communal toilets in Roman toilets

Question 4

What did the Roman Empire offer in terms of medical training/treatment and medical knowledge?

Answer 4

1. The army offered excellent medical training or surgeons and doctors
2. The spread of violent entertainment (gladiators) meant that doctors became very skilled at treating wounds and administering herbal remedies
3. Although doctors did not treat citizens, it still meant that medical knowledge was exchanged across Europe because of the vast Roman Empire
4. They were responsible for the spread of Christianity