Malaria in Ancient Greece and Rome
The ancient Greeks were well acquainted with malaria from about the year 500 BC when infected slaves may have carried the disease into Greece.
To a certain extend, malaria may well have contributed to the breakdown of ancient Greek civilization.
As early as 46 BC, Hippocrates described the malaria symptoms and differentiated between its various forms.
However, he incorrectly assumed that malaria was caused as a result of drinking stagnant water.
Malaria did not discriminate when choosing its victims. One famous victim was Alexander the Great.
Ancient Rome was seen to be vulnerable to the fever to the extent that Gei Febris, the fever goddess, as worshipped for her ability to cure the disease.
The fall of Rome has been attributed not only to hedonism and decadence, but also to the debilitating effects of the illness on its citizens.
Three emperors, Hadrian, Vespasian and Titus, are believed to have succumbed to malaria, while St Augustine is thought to have contracted it while carrying Christianity’s message from Rome to Britain.
Medieval Europe was well acquainted with malaria until land reclamation and improved drainage disrupted the mosquitoes’ breeding habits.
These habits were further discouraged inadvertently by the increased building of well lit and ventilated houses.
Malaria in Ancient Greece and Rome
