| In the ancient world, the Greeks and Romans were | | | | reduce diseases' occurrence. |
| brothers. There was the obvious close proximity of the | | | | 4. Rome further developed the Greek's theories about |
| two countries. However, their relationship was deeper | | | | medicines |
| than that. In fact, their cultures were so closely linked | | | | The Romans adhered to many of the beliefs of the |
| that the Greeks and Romans shared gods with | | | | Greeks, about maintaining the health of humans. For |
| different names, but similar backgrounds! However, | | | | instance, they focused on the importance of |
| both groups maintained a unique history and culture. | | | | cleanliness and exercise. This was due to the Romans' |
| For instances, here are some of the highlights about | | | | borrowing theories from the Greek, Hippocrates. A |
| ancient Roman medicine: | | | | second century AD Greek doctor, Galen, was |
| 1. Doctors were vital to the Roman Empire | | | | instrumental in developing these theories. Galen further |
| The Roman's Empire's public health system was | | | | developed Hippocrates' notion that human bodies |
| actually quite broad. While doctors in ancient Rome | | | | contained four "humours." |
| could receive formal training, here are some other | | | | 5. Galen influenced both Roman and European |
| interesting facts about them:o Anyone in ancient Rome | | | | medicine |
| could refer to himself or herself as a "doctor."o | | | | In addition to affecting Roman medicine, Galen also |
| Doctors would often serve as surgeons in the Roman | | | | influenced European medicine for more than 15 |
| Empire's army.o Several female doctors existed.o | | | | centuries! His theories and practices focused on |
| Women typically served the healthcare needs of other | | | | obtaining a balance of the four humours, which he |
| women.o Doctors provided free healthcare services, | | | | believed were inside human bodies. |
| to those living in impoverished towns. | | | | The Romans would obtain advice from their doctors, |
| 2. Much of Roman medicine was Greek medicine | | | | while also presenting offers to various Roman gods, |
| The Roman defeated the Greeks, in the former's | | | | such as the Roman goddess of safety--Salus. |
| formation of the Roman Empire. Afterwards, Roman | | | | Interestingly, during the 3rd century BC, this god |
| doctors then accepted many of the ideas that the | | | | became linked to Hygieia--the Greek goddess related |
| Greeks had, concerning medicine. In fact, most of the | | | | to healing. Furthermore, the Romans also used |
| doctors who were practicing in the Roman | | | | Temples of Asclepius, which had originated from the |
| Empire--were Greek! Furthermore, the works of | | | | Greeks. |
| Hippocrates, the Greek "Father of Medicine," served as | | | | While the Romans were not as innovative as the |
| the basis for numerous Roman doctors' training. | | | | Greeks were, in the study of medicine, the former |
| 3. The Romans focused on public health | | | | certainly contributed to the development of Greek |
| Obviously, the Romans were unaware of bacteria, and | | | | concepts related to medicine. Ultimately, the Romans |
| the use of cheap urbane scrubs to reduce their | | | | improved humans' overall understanding of hygiene |
| transmission. However, the Romans placed an | | | | and health, which is noteworthy. After conquering the |
| emphasis on public health. Improvement in personal | | | | Greeks, the Romans would contribute to humans' epic |
| hygiene would ultimately improve public health and | | | | war on bacteria! |