In twelve pages this paper examines the medical practices of Ancient Rome in a consideration of physicians' roles and available medicines. Eleven sources are cited in the bibliography.
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have died centuries ago with conditions now treated with antibiotics. While it is the case that medicine has progressed through modernity, and continues to improve, there was a great deal
of medicine practiced even in ancient times. In fact, Asclepius, in Greek mythology, was the god of medicine1 . His emblem is a winged staff with two snakes wrapped around
it2 . Interestingly, this is a familiar symbol in todays medical world. Yet, Asclepius was more than a mere symbol as patients slept in his temple overnight, and treatment
for their disorders had to do with the visions they saw while they slept3 . Such a practice is not unusual today. While people do not go to buildings to
receive benefits from the gods, clearly there is a trend that suggests healing can come from the inner reaches of the mind. Certainly, today, dreams are considered the window to
ones inner psyche. In looking back to ancient Rome, one finds more than just stories and gods and symbols. Much of the medicinal remedies found then have not necessarily been
discarded. II. The City of Rome Before delving into the medicinal treatments to come from ancient Rome, a look at the city in that time frame is in order.
Civilization based in Rome, lasted for some 800 years.4 The earliest period of Rome is merged with legend, the most famous is that the city was founded by
the twins Romulus and Remus5. Early Rome was ruled by kings, the last of whom was despot Tarquinius Superbus6 . Much historic art and innovations arose from early Greek
and Roman culture and in fact, when one utters the words "ancient Rome," art and architecture often comes to mind. It was a time of great growth for humankind as