Professional Documents
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Roman Public Health: why was it so good? Huge and organized system of slave labour to carry out large-scale building Romans ruled a large empire so many different ideas spread Army had to be healthy to defend the empire so needed public health Roman technology was advanced to produce what was required iron tools, well designed equipment, specialists engineers and practical attitude Strong, well organised central Roman government able to raise taxes to pay for schemes and organise work on a large scale Government took responsibility putting into practice its interest in large practical projects to improve the quality of life in empire
Limitations to public health Fresh water not available to all the people despite good intentions of the Government. Pipe and sewer system did not reach poorer parts of some of the cities including Rome itself With no pump the Romans were unable to solve the problems of supplying fresh water to upper floors of houses, apartments Although dirt-disease link was known it was not understood as no germ theory Pipes for carrying water made of lead or bronze but did not realise lead could cause poisoning Health was not very good in Roman Britain. Half the bodies dug up show rheumatism or arthritis. Average lifespan around 40 years
Getting rid of sewage and dirt Sewage disposal was intended to be available to all, with both public and private water-flushed latrines, drains and sewers to carry waste away. The Romans built systems to dispose of sewage because they believed that bad smells caused disease. Therefore bad smells caused by sewage had to be removed from all settlements. Healthy Army Safe Empire! Military hospitals were built throughout the Empire so that the best health care possible was available to the army. There was also public access to these hospitals in places. These hospitals were built because the defence of the Empire depended on the Army. Clean Streets, Clean Towns! Town planning was an important part of public health. Wide, paved streets were typical of Roman town planning. They had wide, paved streets because they believed there was a connection between dirt and disease and that bad smells caused disease. Therefore it was important to remove dirt and bad smells as quickly and easily as possible.
Why the Romans Took the Steps they did in Public Health
Roman beliefs and attitudes about disease and health were crucial to the steps they took: They believed dirt and disease were linked. They thought bad smells caused illness. They believed it better to prevent illness rather than cure. They knew that disease could spread from person to person. They regarded Army health as very important. The Government saw that it had the responsibility for Public Health.