Military Medical Practices

The medical practices of the roman army grew to be highly complex and structured over time. These medical practices allowed for the army to be highly successful because they allowed for the wounded to be treated efficiently, and quickly in order to return to the battlefield. The origins of military medicine begin with the basic need for survival. From 300 B.C., which was the begging of the Early Roman Army, until 30 B.C. and the start of Roman Imperial Army the wounded often treated themselves as well as their fallen comrades. As time went on the need for a more centralized and structured system of medical care became more evident. The Roman army was able to create a system of medical care that not only strengthened the army, but also the empire …show more content…
These influences were used as military medicine became more complex. Celsus influenced the military medical care in many ways. One of his writings is on the wounds that can occur, and which can be treated and which cannot be treated. Celsus said that any injury to the base of the brain, heart, spine, etc., was fatal and could not be treated (Celcus). He also said, “Also wounds are dangerous wherever the blood-vessels are larger, because they may exhaust the patient by profuse bleeding” (Celsus). According to Celsus the safest of the wounds was a flesh wound. He also explained which shapes and sizes of wounds are safer and easier to treat. Celsus also spoke of the fact the stronger men can withstand wounds a lot better than weaker men. This would explain why the Roman army started using screenings before drafting soldiers as medical care advanced. Celsus’s writings were things that medical doctors would have read during their training provided by the army. This particular treatise was very helpful to the combat doctors. It helped in the aspect that it trained them in what wounds they needed to treat on the battlefield and which were not worth …show more content…
The medical care of the Roman Army had simple beginnings, but it grew to be highly complex. From the influence of Caesar, and Greek writers like Galen and Celsus the army was able to enact a stable and structured medical system. The army had grown from self-reliance to professional medical care. The goal of preventive care kept the army healthy and strong enabling them to be successful in battle. The idea of immediate care helped protect soldiers, and gave new insight into how to treat wounds. These practices grew and became specialized. As new techniques came to life they were written down in text books and these new practices were intertwined into roman society. These new practices benefited society by allowing for medical care for