The ancient Romans were known for their advanced engineering, military prowess, and sophisticated society, but they were also pioneers in the field of medicine and public health. Despite lacking modern scientific knowledge, Roman doctors and public officials developed innovative methods to maintain health, prevent disease, and treat medical conditions. Their contributions laid the foundation for many principles still used in medicine today. Here are six ways the ancient Romans kept themselves healthy.
1. Public Baths: Hygiene as a Daily Routine
Cleanliness was a key part of Roman life, and public baths were central to maintaining hygiene and preventing disease. Romans of all social classes frequented these baths, which were more than just places to clean oneself—they were social and cultural centers where people could relax, exercise, and even receive medical treatments.
Bathhouses typically featured hot, warm, and cold rooms (known as the caldarium, tepidarium, and frigidarium), which helped improve circulation and remove toxins from the body. Steam baths and scrubbing with oil and a strigil (a scraping tool) helped remove dirt and dead skin. Many Romans believed that regular bathing contributed to good health by washing away impurities and preventing infections.
2. Aqueducts and Sanitation: Clean Water for Better Health
One of Rome’s greatest achievements was its advanced water supply system. Aqueducts carried fresh water from distant sources into cities, ensuring that citizens had access to clean drinking water. Public fountains, private homes, and bathhouses were all connected to these water systems, reducing the spread of diseases caused by contaminated water.
The Romans also developed an early form of sewage management. They built extensive drainage and sewer systems, such as the Cloaca Maxima, to remove waste from populated areas. This focus on sanitation helped prevent outbreaks of waterborne illnesses, such as dysentery and cholera, and contributed to the overall health of the population.
3. Diet and Nutrition: The Roman Approach to Healthy Eating
The Roman diet was relatively balanced and rich in essential nutrients. Staple foods included grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil, and fish, while meat was consumed in moderation. The wealthy could afford a wider variety of foods, including exotic spices and imported delicacies, but even common citizens maintained a nutritious diet.
Romans also understood the importance of moderation. The physician Galen, one of the most influential medical figures of antiquity, emphasized the idea of a balanced diet based on the four humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile). He believed that different foods could influence these humors and impact a person’s health. Eating fresh, locally sourced foods was a common practice, which helped ensure that the population received adequate nutrition. shutdown123