History Extra podcast Roman medicine: everything you wanted to know
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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.
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Roman Medical Beliefs
- Romans believed in a humoral system, balancing black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood.
- Imbalance meant unhealthiness, treated by restoring balance through various methods.
Defining "Roman Medicine"
- Defining "Roman medicine" is complex due to the empire's vastness and diverse beliefs.
- Core medical beliefs stemmed from Rome and Greece, but regional variations existed.
Women in Roman Medicine
- Women practiced medicine in ancient Rome, both as midwives and physicians.
- The term "medica" suggests their acceptance and possible formal training.