Roman Medicine

Romans used scientific and mythical methods in their medicine. Adopting the Greek medical method, the Romans gained a solid foundation. They copied Hippocrates. And he separated medical research from philosophy and took an overall approach to human health. Hippocrates also observed human habits and the environment, accurately identified the disease, and found a cure. The Romans adopted the Hippocratic method and combined it with mythical and religious views.

Roman medicine is strongly influenced by the Greek medical tradition. Roman society took Greek medicine into Roman society and made Rome a monumental city of 100 years BC. Like Greek doctors, Roman doctors rely on natural observation rather than spiritual rituals; however this does not mean the lack of spiritual beliefs. Tragic famine and pestilence are often accused of God's punishment; it is believed that praiseing God through rituals can alleviate these events. Miasma is thought to be the root cause of many diseases, whether caused by famine, war, or plague. Development of concept of infection to achieve improvement of quarantine and hygiene

Medicine in ancient Rome combines various techniques using different tools, methods and ingredients. Roman medicine is greatly affected by Greek medicine. Greek doctors such as Dioscorides and Galen practiced medicine in the Roman Empire and recorded their findings. Three doctors have learned about hundreds of herbs including medicine. The Roman Empire is a complex and vigorous combination of the cultural elements of Greece and Rome that have been formed through centuries of contact. Later Latin writers, especially Kato and Priny, believed in Romanesque style of treatment based on herbs, hymns, prayers, and charms that householders can easily use. Due to the establishment and development of military and political links between the two regions, Greek medicine was introduced to Italy.

In the Roman era (until the 3 rd century AD), Greek medicine began to penetrate Rome as early as the 4 th century BC. Until then, traditional Roman medicine, like Greek medicine before the fourth to fifth centuries ago, was based on folk medicine, herbal medicine, religious influence, superstition (Nutton 1988c: 31-40). Greek physicians are easily accepted by most Romans, but some leaders have malicious resistance. Elder Kato (234-149 BC) treated his family, family, and slaves with traditional cure, cabbage, wine, strongly opposed the Greeks and even refused to enter the house (Nutton 1988b: 42). Cicero (106 - 43 BC) thought that the number of doctors was small - better than gentlemen. Paradoxically, he valued his Greek doctor highly (Nutton 1988a: 28)