Medicine and Hygiene @museum.de

When we think of Roman medicine, images of large baths and latrines often spring to mind—impressive examples of ancient hygiene that have survived to this day. But what was medical care and personal hygiene actually like in everyday Roman life?

A look into the past shows that much of what was used for care and healing at that time has disappeared today. Ointments, oils, makeup, and medicines were all made from organic materials that have not survived the passage of time. What remains are the tools: small, often artistically crafted instruments that reveal how advanced Roman medicine already was. Only a few of these medical devices have been found in Sumelocenna so far. But one find stands out in particular: a jug filled with wild mallow seeds. Mallow was a valued medicinal plant in ancient times. Its seeds and leaves were considered anti-inflammatory and were used to treat various ailments – a natural remedy in the Roman medicine cabinet. The doctors of that time had astonishing knowledge. They performed operations that we today associate with state-of-the-art technology – for example, in neurology, urology, gynecology, and ophthalmology. And all this without anesthesia as we know it. Nevertheless, Roman doctors were often not held in much higher regard than simple craftsmen. Hospitals as we know them today did not exist. Anyone who was ill went directly to the doctor. Or the doctor came to the patient. Medical care was therefore very personal, almost familial. This shows that Roman medicine was much more than just a few herbs and warm baths. It was a sophisticated system of knowledge, experience, and practical application—and a fascinating reflection of the ancient world.