Study on Chronic Pain Management in Roman Coloniae

Abstract

The presented study discusses the use of analgesics by medical personnel in the colonies and at field hospitals located in the urban capitals of the colonies was an important aspect of providing immediate care to Roman veterans after injuries or other causes of chronic pain. Upon completion of twenty years or more of active military service, Roman legionnaires received financial benefits from the Roman State and free plots of land in Italy or Roman conquered lands. These outposts in Roman conquered territory served as a buffer between the Roman State and potential Roman enemies, helped to suppress insurrections in the territories they occupied and helped to Romanize these territories. The coloniae varied in size and population from a few hundred to several thousand people. Adequate medical care is indispensable to the survival and prosperity of any community of people. The larger coloniae had hospitals and health care professionals to support the colonists living there. Smaller colonies had a medical clinic with a smaller staff. Managing chronic pain suffered by ranchers and farmers was a major concern for the medici (physicians) who lived and worked in the coloniae. The veterans and their families sometimes required pain management for their functionality and quality of life.