The First Surgical Tools

Romans weren't just about swords and spears; they also created fine medical instruments that had an impact on many contemporary surgical instruments. In fact, it wasn't until the 19th and 20th centuries that the design of some instruments, like the vaginal speculum, underwent major alteration. Romans also made use of modern-looking forceps, syringes, scalpels, and bone saws that were produced by specialized producers.

The Romans developed a variety of surgical instruments and popularized the cesarean section, but their greatest contributions to medicine were made on the battlefield.

Leaders were curious to explore how these gadgets may assist soldiers on the battlefield in addition to employing them at hospitals or medical facilities. Some Roman forces used a skilled chirurgus (basically a doctor with additional training in surgery) to stop blood loss, take out arrows, close wounds, and administer medication.

They developed a military medical corps that was one of the first forces specifically designed for field surgery under Augustus' direction. Through the application of Roman medical advances like hemostatic tourniquets and arterial surgical clamps to stop blood loss, these specially trained medics saved numerous lives. Roman field medics also examined fresh recruits and controlled sanitation in military camps to prevent the spread of sickness. Even before using them, they were known to sterilize the equipment in hot water, establishing a sort of antiseptic surgery that would not become widely used until the 19th century. Roman military medicine was so effective at healing injuries and fostering wellness that even though soldiers were continuously exposed to the dangers of battle, they tended to live longer than the average civilian.