Roman Medicine Flashcards
What happened to Greek ideas of medicine once the Romans became the dominant culture?
They carried on, but were modified by new ideas - eventually.
How did Greek ideas enter the Roman world?
As Greek cities fell doctors were made slaves, some were brought to Rome. However, their ideas were treated with suspicion, after all, the Romans had beaten them, so what could they know?
What led the Romans to establish an Asclepion in Rome?
The plague of 293BC
What did the Asclepion in Rome have to help cure people?
A sacred snake from Epidaurus.
How long did the Asclepion last?
Throughout the Roman period, it became a public hospital for the poor and slaves.
What happened to the status of medicine?
The status of medicine, and the mainly Greek practioners, rose until Julius Caesar allowed doctors Roman citizenship in 46BC,
What was the character of Roman civilisation?
Very practical.
How did the Romans connect health with their desire to build an empire?
They realised that you need a strong, healthy army to build an empire
What were the hospitals for wounded soldiers called?
Valetudinaria
Who paid for the valetudinaria?
The state
What medical provision was there for soldiers in the front line?
The Roman Army had doctors in the ranks who were expected to carry out operations such as removing arrows.
What happened to surgery?
It became more advanced.
How do we know about advances to surgery in Roman times?
We have texts describing operations to remove bladder stones and cataracts that modern doctors believe would have worked.
What happened to surgical instruments as Roman surgery advanced?
They became more sophisticated.
What was the Roman attitude to public health?
They attempted to take a preventative approach.
