Greco-Roman Medicine and What It Can Teach Us Today

A doctor explores how ancient medical practices can be applied to modern heath issues and illnesses.

There can be little doubt that the Romans experienced many of the illnesses that are still encountered today, and individuals have always had to decide how best to deal with their health-related concerns. The Roman Empire was an amalgam of many cultures, often with dissimilar ideas and beliefs. The Greek impact on health was particularly dominant and, therefore, this book focuses on Greco-Roman medicine as it was practiced during the Pax Romana, the period between the accession of Augustus and the death of Marcus Aurelius.

Drawing on ancient literature supplemented with evidence from archaeology, paleopathology, epigraphy and numismatics, the Greco-Roman medical context is carefully examined. A particular focus is on the effectiveness of approaches to both preventing and treating a range of physical and psychological problems. Detailed consideration is also given to the ancient technical and hygienic achievements in addition to the place of healers within Roman society. Uniquely, within each chapter, author Nick Summerton, M.D., draws on his own clinical and public health experience, combined with modern research findings, in assessing the continuing relevance of Greco-Roman medicine.

Greco-Roman Medicine and What It Can Teach Us Today reveals that our classical forebears' approaches to health promoted many practices still recommended by physicians for wellbeing in modern times. From the benefits of fresh air, movement, sensible eating, and sufficient sleep through the balance between prevention and treatment, as well as the most appropriate uses of technology, drugs and surgery, to using Stoicism and logotherapy to cope with stress, ancient ideas for wellness still impact contemporary lives.