Nauka Hippokratesa i rzymska propaganda. Zaraza na Sycylii w relacji Liwiusza (Liv.25.26.7-15)
Journal Title: Echa Przeszłości - Year 2016, Vol 17, Issue
Abstract
In Ab Urbe Condita, Livy described an epidemic which broke out near Syracuse in 212 BC. The Carthaginian and Roman troops stationed in the area were taken ill during an unexpected autumn heat wave. The sudden change in weather conditions, the proximity of swamps and poor sanitary conditions probably triggered the patho- gen responsible for the disease and contributed to its spread. In his report, Livy relied on original Carthaginian accounts of the epidemic. Those records were modi- fied by an unknown Roman annalist and by Livy himself for propaganda purposes. The Roman historian's account was inspired by the Greek model of tragic historio- graphy. In this model, historical events are explained through misdeeds - the disease was inflicted on the soldiers to force them to reflect on the committed atrocities. Livy painted a bleak picture of the epidemic, although he did not describe the symptoms of disease in great detail. To suit propaganda needs, the historian devoted much attention to the heroic stance of Marcellus. The literary concept presented by Livy, which was heavily based on the works of Hippocrates, suggests that the epidemic in Syracuse had been caused by a foodborne pathogen transmitted by water. The dise- ase that afflicted the soldiers could have been dysentery, also known as bloody flux. This conclusions is supported by the fact that Livy referred to the disease as a curable affliction.
Authors and Affiliations
Miron Wolny
Keywords
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Nauka Hippokratesa i rzymska propaganda. Zaraza na Sycylii w relacji Liwiusza (Liv.25.26.7-15)
In Ab Urbe Condita, Livy described an epidemic which broke out near Syracuse in 212 BC. The Carthaginian and Roman troops stationed in the area were taken ill during an unexpected autumn heat wave. The sudden change in w...