History Question 5a & b

a) What were the key problems of public health in the period after the Romans left
Britain in the 5th century until c1350? (9 marks)
There were many key problems after the Romans left Britain, which of one was dirty,
polluted water and lack of bathing facilities. This was due to there being no suitable
sewage system which also meant that the Romans did not have technology to clean dirty
water or remove sewage. After the Romans left Britain, people did not understand the
connection between hygiene and good health. This led to towns being filthy and
garbage/human waste was thrown into the streets. People did not often take regular
baths and did not feel a need for there being a high interest in cleanliness.
Communications were difficult and dangerous, so ideas travelled slowly. Many of the
medical ideas of the Greeks or Romans were lost at this time as technology was limited.
The key aspect was emphasis on authority. People would believe what they would go
against and people who questioned authority risked execution. There was also a lack of
resources to build public health systems.
The Church also played a big part. It discouraged processes such as dissection and
insisted that people agree with Galens ideas, although some of his ideas were proved
wrong. Everyone was encouraged to pray as they thought God saved them from
disease and always thought the disease had a superstitious cause. There was a belief
going around that disease was a punishment from God, therefore they needed to rely on
their prayers.

b) How important was the influence of Hippocrates on Roman and Medieval

medicine? (16 marks)
Hippocrates was known as important because of his new ideas which thought to have
brought development in medicine. For example, he developed the Four Humours. This
was the idea to balance the humours to stay healthy. He also offered advice to stay
healthy and fit and also take regular exercise. This shows he was important because his
ideas were followed through the Roman and Medieval times but also developed by other
scientists, doctors or surgeons.
Also, he created the Hippocratic Oath in which all doctors had to swear by and declare
that they will use treatment to help the sick to the best of their ability. All doctors would
have to swear by this oath as the role of the doctor was important in saving lives. This
influenced many people to be dependent on their role and to ensure their patients were
healthy.
Hippocrates teachings were considered law by the Church which had authority and had
to be followed. He had a wide influence on other doctors such as Galen who also
accepted his theory of the Four Humours and developed his own theory of the Theory of
Opposites. Some see Hippocrates as the father of modern medicine even though he did
his work a long time ago. Hippocrates wrote many books which gave Greek doctors
detailed advice on what to do with their patients. The ideas and knowledge of

Hippocrates was spread and came up with different theories and thoughts such as all
diseases had a natural cause rather than a superstitious one.
This shows that he had a huge influence on all of peoples minds about the ideas of
medicine because he was known as the father of medicine and his ideas were realistic
which he could also prove. He wrote many books which were read by other doctors and
spread knowledge to other doctors which helped them in treating their patients.