Infant mortality is a sad but inevitable part of life, and in ancient Rome it was no different. Often, the rate of infant mortality was a reflection of the level of development of a society and its overall standards of living. While no one knows the exact rate of infant mortality in ancient Rome, archaeological and historical evidence suggests it may have been higher than today’s rising global rates of infant mortality.
According to historians, ancient Romans lacked a great deal of the basic technology and medical care that we benefit from today. It was commonplace for mothers to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife. Additionally, Roman moms-to-be did not have access to prenatal vitamins, ultrasounds and antibiotics, modern medical treatments or medical knowledge available today.
Although Roman medicine was relatively primitive, many sources have suggested that some home remedies and treatments did exist. It is believed that ancient Roman physicians had some basic knowledge of medicine and even performed minor surgeries such as trephination. However, the lack of knowledge concerning germ theory and infection control led to their inability to prevent and treat many common childhood illnesses and conditions.
Another factor that could have contributed to the high rate of infant mortality in ancient Rome was the common practice of disregarding certain newborns. This was due to the poor conditions in which many babies were born, which often resulted in survival odds being extremely low. It was even common for midwives and other medical practitioners to declare a newborn stillborn in order to save the family from any further distress.
What’s more, ancient Roman social customs did little to prevent newborns from being exposed to hazardous environmental conditions. In many cases, newborns were subjected to the same conditions as adults and had no special protection from the elements. This likely led to a number of preventable deaths, further increasing the rate of infant mortality.
It is clear that, due to the lack of medical knowledge and technology as well as lack of social customs, the rate of infant mortality in ancient Rome was likely higher than the modern global rate. While there is no definitive way to measure it, it is safe to assume that the rate of infant mortality in the ancient Roman Empire was higher than it is now.
Drug Use
In addition to lack of medical knowledge and technology, drug use likely had an effect on the rate of infant mortality in the Roman Empire. At the time, the use of opium and other drugs was widespread and largely unregulated, with the wealthier classes taking advantage of drugs in greater quantities than the poor. Many of the drugs being used were of a low quality, and this poor quality likely caused a number of newborns to succumb to early death due to drug addiction or poisoning.
In addition, alcohol use was also common in Roman society. Although the Ancient Romans were relatively moderate in their alcohol consumption, high levels of drinking during pregnancy could have caused high levels of infant mortality. High alcohol consumption in pregnancy is known to increase the risk of several birth complications, some of which can be fatal.
Finally, some drugs used in the ancient Roman world were used for contraception, and these drugs could also have been responsible for high levels of infant mortality. It is possible that many women in the Roman Empire used dangerous and unregulated drugs in an attempt to prevent pregnancy, leading to a number of stillbirths and miscarriages.
Political Factors
In addition to these medical and social factors, the political situation in the Roman Empire could also have had an effect on the rate of infant mortality. At the time, the Roman Empire was in a period of relative decline, with economic hardship and political unrest being commonplace. Such conditions could have led to a number of preventable deaths due to malnutrition, poor sanitation, and other major issues.
Furthermore, many of the emperors during this time period were known to be cruel and inhumane, with some of them even posing a threat to the safety and security of the people. This could have led to a number of preventable deaths due to violence, as well as a number of preventable illnesses due to overcrowding and poor living conditions.
In addition, many of the wars fought in the Roman Empire could have had an effect on the rate of infant mortality. The wars of the period were typically long and bloody affairs, and it is likely that many newborns perished as a result of these conflicts or as a result of the increased poverty and deprivation associated with them.
Main Conclusions
Ultimately, it is impossible to know for sure what the rate of infant mortality was in the ancient Roman Empire. However, considering the primitive medical knowledge, lack of modern medical technology, and cultural and political factors, it is likely that the rate of infant mortality was higher than that of today’s rising global rate.
What’s more, the effects of war, poverty and political instability likely contributed to the high rate of infant mortality as well. These conditions could have caused a number of preventable deaths due to malnutrition, overcrowding and violence, further contributing to the already high infant mortality rate.
Finally, the widespread use of drugs, both for recreational use and for contraception, could have had an effect on the rate of infant mortality as well. It is likely that many newborns succumbed to early death due to drug addiction or poisoning, and the use of drugs for contraception could have led to a number of stillbirths and miscarriages.
Healthcare
Although the medical care available to the average Roman citizen was quite limited, the wealthy did often have access to more advanced treatments. Wealthy Roman citizens often had their own personal physicians, and these physicians were usually equipped with more advanced medical knowledge than that of their poorer counterparts. In addition, wealthy citizens were often able to take advantage of the latest medical treatments and technology, which could have made a significant difference in the rate of infant mortality.
In addition to these treatments and advanced medical knowledge, wealthy citizens often had access to better nutrition and sanitation than poorer citizens, which could have helped to reduce the rate of infant mortality in the Roman Empire. Finally, wealthy citizens often had access to better living conditions than the poor, which could have had an impact on the rate of infant mortality as well.
While it is impossible to know for sure what the rate of infant mortality in the Roman Empire was, it is clear that the lack of advanced medical technology and knowledge, combined with poor social customs and political instability, led to high levels of infant mortality. What’s more, the use of drugs and alcohol, combined with other factors mentioned above, likely contributed to the high levels of infant mortality in the Roman Empire.
Final Thoughts
The rate of infant mortality in ancient Rome was likely higher than that of modern times due to the lack of medical technology, medical knowledge, social customs and political instability. The widespread use of drugs, alcohol and other substances, combined with the conditions of the Roman Empire, also likely had a significant effect on the rate of infant mortality. In conclusion, it is clear that infant mortality in ancient Rome was likely higher than the modern global rate.
