‘Terrible diseases’ Spreading Among the Romans in Res Gestae by Ammianus Marcellinus
‘Terrible diseases’ Spreading Among the Romans in Res Gestae by Ammianus Marcellinus

Summary/Abstract: Describing diseases was not the aim of Ammianus Marcellinus. He mentioned them whenever the narrative and the events he described required it. He did not treat them instrumentally. Neither he intended to use them to convince his readers of the theses he promoted. At the same time, he eagerly referred to the medical knowledge of that time, be it in order to carry out their scientific classification or description. Ammianus Marcellinus clearly distinguished between diseases suffered by individuals and mass diseases. As for the first, it must be emphasized that he wrote about them casually. He devoted more space to the plague, which he approached in a dispassionate way, invoking the knowledge of his time, without involving supernatural powers. Still, Ammianus Marcellinus’s worldview manifested itself in his remarks on issues related to the healing of diseases, not only with appropriate medicines, but also with amulets, spells of an old woman, and the healing of many diseases by a divine hero. His reflections on the factors that influence health are also of particular interest and show that he was particularly aware of this issue. The historian knew about the dependence of health on a proper diet, a moderate lifestyle, body hardening treatments, clean air and water, and a healthy mild climate.

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