Roman Medicine Flashcards
Was the rural or urban lifestyle considered healthier? Evidence?
Rural (e.g. Pliny taking refuge in his Laurentine villa outside the city)
How was the city lifestyle documented and perceived?
Juvenal “Satires” writes of brutal living conditions in his commentary - details living conditions, high rent, expensive and limited food supply - city viewed as reflection of the expanding imperial power and development
What were the three components of the ancient diet?
Grain, olives, and grapes
What did protein sources look like for Romans and how did this look depending on economic status?
Legumes were the main source of protein, but meat protein was typical of the wealthy
What was the most popular additive in food?
Garum, a fish sauce that would add flavour to any dish
What is the literary evidence of food supply available in the country? How did they supply food in the city?
Vergil’s “Moretum” and a system called “Annona”
How did food and nutrition contribute to disease?
Disease and illness was typically a consequence of malnutrition and was especially common in children
What marked the transition of Greek presence in Roman medical practices?
The call on Aesculapius to end the plague in Rome (Greek healing God), his temple placed outside of the pomerium because he was a foreigner
Who was the first greek physician in Rome? What was his reputation?
Archagathus of Sparta - initially praised and given citizenship to study his wound healing, but became known as the “executioner/butcher” or “carnifex” in latin
Which greek physician suited the senatorial class? Why?
Asclepiades for his focus on wine, baths, massage, and gentle exercise
When did public baths operate?
Noon to dusk, and before 2, it was for those with ailments
What did the bathing practice look like?
Alternating between hot and cold
Leaving belongings in changeroom based on gender, into a sauna or alternative way of heating the body, then a cold plunge, splash basin, or pool
What was an alternative purpose of public baths?
Networking and strengthening social connections, as well as medical examinations and exercise
What did unique baths use to treat ailments or wounds?
Thermal-mineral water
What religious practice coincided with medical practice?
Ritual incubation
What literary evidence of greek medicine in Rome is there?
- Pliny writing of Archagathus’ practices
- Pliny the Elder criticizes high fees and invasive practices of Greek physicians in “Natural History”
What sources for roman medicine is there?
Medical + non-medical writings, inscriptions from physicians, amulets + charms with healing properties, and recovered surgical texts
Who was Celsus and what is he known for?
Roman physician and author of “De Medicina”
Emphasized 4 artes: agriculture, military science, rhetoric, and medicine
Not a doctor, but advised on health practices
- Believed those in good health would not need a doctor
Who is Largus and what is he known for?
Sicilian physician that wrote “Compositiones”: Medicine for diseases (head to toe), remedies for insect stings and snake bites, and plasters for wounds
“Medicine is a science of healing, not of destroying” - believed strongly in the medical code of ethics for physicians
Who was Soranus of Ephesus and what is he known for?
4 volume treatise on gynecology and discussed contraceptive and abortive methods - abortion only to be performed if mother’s life is endangered
Also advised on nursing and preserving facility
What were the three parts of medicine and who were they decided by?
Celsus - dietectics, drugs, and surgery
What are the components of dietectics and who were they advised by?
Celsus, and daily habits necessary to maintain good health (reading aloud, military exercise, handball, running, walking)
What did pharmaceuticals look like in the ancient world?
Compound and unmixed drugs - use of plants, animal products, and minerals (poppy juice as opium)
What did surgery look like in the ancient world?
Performed on the surface, but it was avoided if there was no possibility for recovery because patient comfort was always priority
