The Romans developed an extensive public health system for several reasons. First, it helped reduce disease in dense urban areas and the military, lowering risks of rebellion or weakened armies. Second, public health initiatives like sanitation and fresh water sources placated conquered peoples and hid the fact that they were under Roman control. The Romans portrayed public health as "civilization" while using it to help subjugate foreign populations.

1. Roman Public Health Mr McDonald

2. What are we learning today: Recall what the Romans did with regards to Public Health. Why the Romans developed such a system of Public Health. What I am Looking For: All to recall key characteristics of Roman Public Health Most to explain why the Romans pursued such a policy of Public Health.

3. What have the Romans ever done for us?

4. Why did the Romans do it? The Romans used a policy of public health for a number of reasons. The first was to reduce the risk of disease in the built up towns of the Roman Empire and in doing so, reduce the risk of rebellion. The second was to protect the Roman Army in areas it controlled. Soldiers were told not to camp near marshes and near to fresh water.

5. Why did the Romans do it? The final reason was to placate the people the Romans controlled. Tacitus said that the people under control of the Romans enjoyed the benefits of public health to stop them realising they were under such control.

6. Tacitus – 2 nd century AD His purpose was to introduce them to a life of peace and quiet by the provision of facilities. And so the population was gradually led into the demoralising temptations of arcades, baths and sumptuous banquets. The unsuspecting Britons spoke of such novelties as civilisation, when in fact they were only a feature of their enslavement.

7. Why did the Romans invest in Public Health? To reduce disease in the Army To reduce the risk of rebellion in Rome To enslave conquered peoples

8. Exam Question Every two years there is a question on Roman Public Health – unfortunately it came last year but it shows how to do the 4+4 question.