Roman Hospital

• During the Roman Republic and Early Empire, the sick and dying went to the Temples, in particular those of Asclepius, where they could be tended to and prayed for, but these had no facilities.
• Roman Public Hospitals did not exist until after the era of the Emperor Constantine I (324-337 CE) and the rise of Christianity. However, the Roman Legionary Fortresses did have a Hospital called a Valetudinarium.

Temple of Asclepius in Rome (291 BCE)

• The Temple of Asclepius in Rome was where the citizens of Rome went to be cured.
• The Temple was located on Tiber Island in Rome.
• The Ancient Greeks had set up many Temples to the God of Healing, Asclepius, son of Apollo, to cure the sick and injured.
• The Temples were located near Springs, and the priests were trained to provide special baths, massages and administer herbal medicines. The patient would make a sacrifice and spend the night in or near the Temple.

Military Hospitals

• The Roman Army had a Hospital in each Legionary Fortress, known as Valetudinarium.
• Dioscorides: (64 CE)
  • He was an army Physician during the reign of Nero.
  • He wrote De Materia Medica, ‘Regarding Medical Materials’, published in 64 CE.
  • The Encyclopedia is in 5 volumes and contained Herbal remedies based on 600 Plants.