Greco-Roman Medicine and What It Can Teach Us Today

by Summerton, Nick

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 practised 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, the author draws on his own clinical and public health experience, combined with modern research findings, in assessing the continuing relevance of Greco-Roman medicine. For example, Galen`s focus on access to fresh air, movement, sensible eating and getting sufficient sleep matter as much today as they did in the past. Our classical forebears can also assist us in determining the best balances between prevention and treatment, centralised control and individual responsibility, as well as the most appropriate uses of technology, drugs and surgery.

Some ancient pharmaceutical compounds are already showing promise in treating infections. In addition, practising Stoicism and getting some locotherapy should be considered by anyone struggling to cope with the stresses and strains of modern life.

• ISBN13: 9781526752871
• Publish Date: 8 November 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd
• Imprint: Pen & Sword Archaeology
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 208
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Greco-Roman Medicine and What It Can Teach Us Today is a historical retrospective on the medical arts in the ancient world with correlations to modern medical practise by Dr. Nick Summerton. Released 23rd Dec 2021 by Pen & Sword, it's 208 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

I'm always a bit skeptical of books drawing medical and scientific relevance from "the wisdom of the ancient world". They're usually full of "woo woo" and generally woefully mistaken in substance and factual content. That being said, however, this is a well written, no-nonsense treatise about precisely that, written by a physician who is still currently in practise and, quite refreshingly, "woo free" on the whole.

The author is quite adamant about distancing himself from adopting ancient methods wholesale (sheep urine as mouthwash for example), but he insists (correctly) that maintaining a healthy work/life balance, minimising chronic stress, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, fresh air, and clean nutritious foods will contribute a great deal to longevity and overall quality of life.

The book is peppered with quotes from period Greek and Roman sources writing lucidly and competently about health and wellness. It's easy for modern readers to forget that scientists in ancient times certainly weren't less intelligent or reasoning (for the most part) but that they lacked the scientific basis which has developed in the intervening centuries and which we take for granted.

As a student, I had 7 years of Latin study as part of my curriculum. I remember having an epiphany at one point that there were many surprisingly modern successfully performed medical procedures in Rome, such as cataract surgery, which if not precisely common, were not unheard of.

This book is generally split into a retrospective history of Greco-Roman medicine and a more expository look at the potential relevance for historical practices to be adopted for modern use. The history chapters are well annotated and very interesting. The modern chapters are much more expository and less precise.

The book also includes photos and facsimile drawings of many period historical sites and medical implements. I found the plates and annotations fascinating and informative. Many are reproduced in colour and add a lot to the read. The bibliography is extensive and will provide readers with many hours of further reading, following up references.

Four stars. Recommended for fans of ancient history, and medical history.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.