Roman Illnesses and Burial Customs

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In Ancient Rome, life was vital in every aspect. Continuing to the afterlife was even more imperative to the Romans. The families were very superstitious and believed that passing on to the underworld was sacred and ideal. Life was not always as great as it was made out to be in Ancient Rome; many conditions and problems created quandary in people’s lives. The final days of family members were highly regarded as were the burial customs, illnesses, and treatments and results.
Although the Romans were very innovative, they didn’t have much knowledge on health and hygiene. While it is very difficult to estimate the life expectancy of a Roman, it is believed to be around the age of thirty; which is the same life expectancy as the average Indian. There is no known information leading to the life expectancy being any older for a Roman. (Cowell 90) Romans rarely reached the age of forty. Illnesses, diseases, flies, dirt, and unhealthy, unsanitary food and water were leading factors of early death. Although few people did make it to an elderly age, tombstone engravings prove that the majority of the population died at a younger age. (89) A Roman’s diet consisted mostly of grains, wine, olives, and rarely fish; usually the richer people were the only one’s able to afford fish. Most of the meat was harvested from pigs. The grains were made into cereals, porridge, and bread. (Gigante)

Sanitation was not top priority in ancient times. The latrines were placed in public areas allowing ten to twenty people at a time, with no privacy. Toilet sponges were provided for the people but were hardly cleaned, causing the spread of bacteria. (Gigante) Sewers were practically nonexistent in Ancient Rome, but were kept up by the state. To have a person...

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...sion called the designator, and there would people wearing masks made of wax to represent the deceased and their ancestors. (Gill) At first when they did the funeral processions, they all took place at night. As the traditions slowly changed over time; this tradition was only used for the poorer of the people.
The Ancient Romans were very intelligent people but did not have much knowledge about hygiene and good health. Illnesses and disease spread rapidly during the summer months and apothecaries worked on different types of traditional remedies to heal their patients. The passing of family members could be completed by either burial or cremation. Burial customs were crucial to the people and their families in Ancient Rome. Although life may have been complicated and confusing, the Romans were innovative and creative, getting them through life as best as possible.

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