Ancient Roman Medical Tourism

In ancient Rome, hot water baths (called thermae) were not only used for their obvious medicinal benefits, but they also served as important social networking venues for some of the Empire’s most privileged elite.  The Romans were definitely not believers in Spartan healing, and those who could afford to do so spent lavish amounts of money at the numerous baths and hot springs that surfaced.  Much like the swank health care centers of 21^st century medical tourism hotspots, these elaborate Roman complexes were posh establishments.  Some treatment centers actually included theaters, lounges, art galleries, conference halls, brothels, and even the occasional sports stadium.  Some of the larger complexes could reportedly house as many as 3,000 patients and patrons at a time.

During the early days of the Roman Empire, these thermae could hardly have been considered medical tourism spots since most visitors were within one day’s journey.  But as the Empire slowly expanded during its 1,000 year reign, pilgrims, diplomats, beggars, and kings from all corners of the "known" world flocked to the Mediterranean to seek medical counsel and health treatments.  And as a result of active trade with many parts of Persia, Africa, and Asia, these Roman baths necessarily expanded the healing arts.  Ayurvedic massage, Chinese medicine, and various aspects of Buddhist spiritual healing became common features at some Roman thermae.

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