Romans

1. Roman View of Disease

Romans were practical: disease came from bad water, swamps, poor sanitation — early environmental health.

2. Aqueduct System

Built massive aqueducts to deliver clean drinking water across the empire.

3. Sewer System

Cloaca Maxima drained sewage — one of the earliest public sanitation systems.

4. Public Baths

Frequent bathing = hygiene & social life; helped reduce disease spread.

5. Galen

Most influential Roman physician; expanded Greek humoral theory; wrote extensive medical texts.

6. Military Medicine

Roman army had field hospitals, sanitation rules, and organized medical corps.

7. Roman Engineering & Health

Clean water, paved roads, and controlled waste made Rome healthier than most ancient cities.

8. Disease in Roman Empire

Malaria was widespread in marshy regions; tuberculosis also common.

9. Malaria in Rome

Environmental changes and deforestation increased mosquito breeding.

10. Roman Diet & Lifestyle

Believed moderation and exercise prevented disease.

11. Valetudinaria

Early Roman hospitals for soldiers—cleaner, organized, and specialized.

12. Environmental Management

Romans knew to drain swamps to reduce “malaria-like fevers.”

13. Public Health Law

Government enforced sanitation rules to keep population healthy.

14. Legacy

Roman sanitation principles became the foundation of modern public health.