Health Care in the Roman North

doi:10.2307/526676

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Health Care in the Roman North

Published Nov 1, 1999 · Lindsay Allason-Jones

Britannia

Q1 SJR score

18

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0

Influential Citations

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Semantic Scholar

Abstract

Since 1856 when Sir James Simpson first asked the question ‘was the Roman army provided with medical officers?’ innumerable articles and books have been written on the subject. This paper does not intend to repeat the many points already raised concerning medicine in the Roman Empire but merely aims to assess the evidence for health care in the military zone of North Britain in the first four centuries of our era. Evidence from elsewhere in Britain and the Empire will be used only to clarify details, the geographical area covered being confined to the region north of Catterick and south of the Antonine Wall.

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayThe Roman military zone of North Britain in the first four centuries had limited health care facilities, but evidence suggests that medical officers were present in the military zone.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Health Care in the Roman North

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References

Ex Radice Britanica

The herba Britannica, a plant that was used by the Romans for treating various diseases, was found in a lead lid found at Haltern, Germany, dating to around 240 BC.

Doctors and diseases in the Roman Empire

This book is a valuable resource for understanding the history of medicine, and promoting the importance of a decent diet for preventing and treating diseases in the Roman Empire.

A Set of Roman Medical Instruments from Italy

This group of Roman surgical and medical instruments includes many rare objects, including the three catheters, speculum, bone chisels, and sharp spoon, as well as common types like the tanged cautery and medicine boxes.

Roman Britain in 1968

Roman Britain in 1968 revealed evidence of early gold mining, aqueducts, and buildings, suggesting a significant presence of Roman culture in the region.

Medicine and the Roman army: a further reconsideration.

Scarborough suggests, military medicine in the Roman army was primarily a de facto service of soldier-medici, with trained physicians being rare and military medicine focusing on wound surgery.

Citations

The spread of the cult of Asclepius in the context of the Roman army benefited from the presence of physicians: A spatial proximity analysis

The spread of the cult of Asclepius in the Roman army was influenced by the presence of Roman physicians, as their shared focus on health and medicine influenced the spread of the cult.

Roman horticulture beyond the frontier: garden cultivation at Iron Age Uppåkra (Sweden)

Roman cultural imports to Scandinavian Iron Age societies were influenced by ecofactual evidence, revealing which aspects of Roman culture were introduced and which parts of Roman society were mediators.

Demography, Diet and State of Health in Roman York

Roman York's population had a male bias, underrepresentation of infants and sub-adults, and a high prevalence of trauma and osteopenia, with dietary staples including spelt bread, beef, and dairy products.

Collyria seals in the Roman Empire.

Roman seals with collyria engravings provide valuable information about eye care in the ancient Roman Empire, providing insights into ophthalmological practice and life during the Roman Empire.

PEČATI ZA KOLIRIJE U RIMSKOM CARSTVU

Roman seals with collyria engravings provide valuable information about eye care in antiquity, revealing the social significance of eye care in the Roman Empire.

Exploring Health and Social Well-Being in Late Roman Britain: An Intercemetery Approach

Urban Late Roman Britons had better health and greater social equality than their rural counterparts, suggesting entrenched differences in living conditions and social relations.

Collyrium Stamps: An Indicator of Regional Practices in Roman Gaul

Collyrium stamps in Gaul were used as amulets and votive offerings, demonstrating an adaptation of Roman material culture to suit local practices and beliefs.

A regional examination of surgery and fracture treatment in Iron Age and Roman Britain

Highly skilled practitioners successfully treated fractures in both the Iron Age and Roman Britain, minimizing patient impairment, and surgical knowledge rapidly increased post-conquest.

The bare necessities? a comparative study of the material evidence for Roman medical practice in urban domestic and army spheres

Roman medical practice in urban domestic and army spheres shows significant overlaps in doctors' roles and instrument design, but the exact location of medicine remains a hazy question.