{"id":9858,"date":"2023-11-04T08:20:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-04T07:20:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9858"},"modified":"2023-11-04T08:20:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-04T07:20:13","slug":"when-in-ancient-rome-was-battlefield-surgery-founded","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/when-in-ancient-rome-was-battlefield-surgery-founded\/","title":{"rendered":"When In Ancient Rome Was Battlefield Surgery Founded"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Origin<\/h2>\n

Battlefield surgery dates back to ancient Rome when it was examined and explored by Roman physicians. During the period known as the Pax Romana, battlefield surgery was developed and Roman physicians played a key role in improving the quality and speed of medical treatment in the military. This is attributed to the increased political stability of the Empire which allowed more time to develop medical knowledge, along with the fact that Roman soldiers were continuously exposed to different wounds while on campaign. Roman surgeons developed a number of medical treatments, as well as instruments and techniques, to try and save the lives of injured soldiers.<\/p>\n

The first use of battlefield surgery was during the Punic Wars, where it was used to treat injured soldiers. While at the time it was nothing more than crude techniques such as cauterizing a wound and sewing it up, it proved to be effective. As time progressed, Roman surgeons developed their techniques and began to employ various types of medicines and procedures to treat injured soldiers, including amputations, order splinting, and drainage of obstructions. Roman physicians also recognized the importance of cleanliness and developed antiseptic techniques, such as using heated metal tools and boiled rags, to reduce infection. As a result, battlefield surgery was highly advanced compared to other cultures at the time.<\/p>\n

Instruments<\/h2>\n

In order to perform precise and effective surgical practices, Roman physicians developed a number of medical instruments. Scalpels and forceps were widely used by Roman physicians and remain in use today due to their great utility. Finger blades were also used to scrape away tissue and other infections. Other instruments included a variety of lances, drills, and saws that were used to amputate and remove fractured bones. While the instruments used were primitive compared to modern standards, they were more than enough for the task of treating injured soldiers quickly and effectively.<\/p>\n

Roman battlefield surgery also included the use of various medicines and treatments. Herbal medicines such as opium, henbane, aconite, belladonna, and mandrake were all used by Roman physicians to treat pain and infection. These treatments were used in combination with surgery to provide the best outcome possible. One of the most popular surgical treatments was cautery, which was the use of heated metal tools to cauterize wounds and stop bleeding. This technique was used to prevent further infection and ensure a successful recovery.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n