History Extra podcast
Roman medicine: everything you wanted to know
Mar 9, 2025
Dr. Patty Baker, a specialist in Roman medicine, shares fascinating insights drawn from her research on medical care in the Roman army. She discusses survival rates for illnesses in ancient Rome and the intriguing methods used to treat injuries on the battlefield. The conversation also reveals how Roman medical practitioners mirrored later snake-oil salesmen in their approach to healing. Additionally, Dr. Baker explores the sophistication of Roman health theories, the interplay of superstition and science, and public health practices that resonate in today's medical landscape.
51:54
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Quick takeaways
- The Roman belief in the humoral system emphasized the balance of bodily fluids as central to health and illness treatment.
- Influenced by Greek medical thought, Roman practitioners integrated surgical techniques and ethical standards that shaped later medical practices in Europe.
Deep dives
Roman Medical Beliefs and Practices
The Romans believed in the humoral system, which posited that health depended on the balance of four bodily fluids: black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. This notion influenced their understanding of illness and treatment, as they thought that an imbalance indicated health issues. This medical philosophy was not uniform across the vast Roman Empire; different regions and cultures influenced the specific practices and beliefs about medicine. Additionally, folk remedies were common alongside more formal surgical procedures that have persisted in modern medicine.
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