Medicine through time 150AD - 1350: Roman Britain to Early Medieval

Question 1

What was the Roman way of transporting and using water in the context of public health?

Answer 1

1. Aqueducts would transport water for miles away from rivers or lakes.
2. The water would then arrive in water pipes made from lead. Everyone was entitled to this water.
3. This water would be firstly be pumped to public fountains, then public baths, then private homes of the rich and powerful. The water was also used for public toilets where people would socialise.
4. The water would be carried away by sewers.

Question 2

What were the roman beliefs on causes of disease?

Answer 2

• Gods
• Humours
• Miasma

Question 3

What was Galen’s theory that was based off of Hippocrates’ work?

Answer 3

The theory of opposites: an imbalance in the humours could be treated with something that opposes that humour.

Question 4

How many books did Galen write?

Answer 4

350

Question 5

After the collapse of the Roman empire, what was destroyed and what was preserved?

Answer 5

Destroyed:

• Public health systems
• Libraries
• Peace

Preserved:
-The Christian Church

Question 6

What were some differences/similarities between Roman and Early Medieval Britain?
WARNING: LOTS OF POINTS, MINDMAPS ARE ADVISED

Answer 6

Differences (Roman):

• Clean water available for everyone
• Great drainage systems
• General hygiene
• More public baths
• Many more toilets (144 Rome)
• Underground sewers

Similarities:

• Toilets did not have plumbing
• Religion controlled medicine
• Animals were kept in open air
• No scientific explanation
• Sewers went into rivers
• Rich people had better hygiene
• Little change outside the countryside

Differences (Medieval):

• Refuse was dumped into rivers
• Men would urinate into the streets
• Open sewers
• Contaminated wells
• Only 13 toilets in London
• Water was not drunk much -> ale instead