On to the Romans

Where did Romans get most early medical knowledge?

From Egyptians and Greeks

What did Romans especially improve in medicine?

Clean water supply & public health systems.

Why did Romans build cities near springs?

Clean water was essential for health.

Why didn’t they use pipes for long distances?

Lead pipes too weak; bronze too expensive.

What transported water long distances?

Overland conduits + aqueducts

Example of famous Roman aqueduct?

Pont du Gard

Who designed Rome’s water supply?

Julius Frontinus

Estimated daily water delivered to Rome?

1000 million liters/day

Where did Romans avoid building camps or houses?

Near swamps

Who wrote about tiny invisible disease-causing creatures?

Marcus Varro

Who warned marshes create poisonous vapors and stinging insects?

Columella

Why did Romans focus heavily on soldier health?

Army strength = empire survival.

Soldier hygiene rule?

Keep away from swamp water, move camps often

What was blackberry used for?

Dysentery treatment

Why did soldiers sleep on thyme?

Thought to improve mood (placebo effect)

What was fenugreek used for?

Fevers + livestock illnesses (anti-inflammatory)

Why stinging nettle?

Warmth in cold climates

Who criticized high disease in Rome (10,000 jaundice cases/day)

Galen

What was a major sewage problem in Rome?

Sewage dumped on streets → flies, dogs & bacteria spread disease.

Why did public baths spread disease?

Warm water + no chemical cleaning

Why did Christians oppose baths at first?

Believed public nudity = immoral

Who later improved bath complexes?

Emperor Augustus

How did population density affect disease?

Overcrowded homes → rapid transmission.

What famous plagues were worsened by crowding?

Antonine & Cyprian plagues.

How did deforestation increase disease?

More marshland → more mosquito vectors.

What mosquito disease evidence was found in Rome (450 AD)?

Malaria DNA + honeysuckle remedy.

What did Romans prioritize for city placement?

“Healthy places” with good winds

What fueled spread of infectious illness in Rome?

Poor sanitation + high crowding.

What type of hospitals had drainage and sewage systems?

Military hospitals

Why didn’t Rome eradicate mosquito-borne diseases?

Poor waste management & wetlands remained.