HOW much do you know about how medicine was practised in the Roman Empire?
For example, did you know that surgeons had to train for seven years, first under a qualified doctor and then at a medical university?
Or that every patient entering hospital had their own allocated doctor who was responsible for both their diagnosis and treatment?
Or that soldiers and citizens of the Roman Empire were entitled to free medical treatment?
Or that surgeons were expert in dealing with battle trauma, including removing limbs and fitting prostheses?
All this and much more will be covered in a talk by Gordon Henderson at Barningham Village Hall on Friday, February 23.
Mr Henderson has been an avid local historian for more than 40 years and for the last five years has been involved in excavations at Binchester Roman Fort, near Bishop Auckland, the largest Roman military base in the north of England.
The fort has yielded a large number of artefacts preserved in very good condition, including medical equipment used to treat soldiers and civilians, such as scalpels, saws, forceps and arrow extractors.
Mr Henderson’s talk will focus on these and explain how they were used.
Robin Brooks, a member of Barningham Village Hall committee, said: “Gordon’s talk is the second in our current season of Winter’s Tales that we’ve run over the last three years.
“They have proved to be a winning formula and we’ve been very fortunate in getting local people who know their subjects in depth to give interesting presentations which provide an enjoyable and informative night out and at the same time contribute to Village Hall funds.”
He added: “Gordon came to talk to us last January about the excavations at Binchester, and what life was like in the Roman garrison, and he’s returning to tell us in more detail about one aspect of that life – medicine – a matter that remains of abiding interest to us today.
“And those who may be squeamish about medical matters need not worry; although Gordon has asked for a table to be provided for his talk we are not anticipating that he will be conducting any operations.”
The talk starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 if booked in advance (£6 on the door).
They are available from Ann Orton on 01833 621024 or email ann.orton@hotmail.co. uk.
The price includes light refreshments but visitors are also welcome to bring their own drinks.
