Public Health In Rome

Public Health in Rome The Romans were the first group of people to introduce public health. They had to do this because Rome had grown in size and it was impossible to find a natural source of fresh water in the city. It was also necessary to find a way of disposing of rubbish to prevent pollution or causing health problems. Aqueducts were built to transport fresh water into the city. In AD100 there were a total of nine aqueducts that brought fresh water to Rome. Public baths were places where people could go to bathe meet and discuss. There were hot and cold baths as well as massage rooms

The Romans believed that Prevention of illness was more important than cure of illness.

Roman Philosophy was based along the lines of searching for a reason then establishing a preventative measure to minimise the risk attached. As a practical people they used observations of the environment to determine what was causing ill health. This form of empirical observation led the Romans to realise that death rates were higher in and around marshes and swamps.