Lecture: Looking Over the Shoulder of a Roman Army

Lecture: Looking Over the Shoulder of a Roman Army

08/09/2026 - 08/09/2026

Lecture: Looking Over the Shoulder of a Roman Army

On Tuesday, 8 September, the Friends of Archeon (VVvA) are once again organising a lecture at the Archaeology House.

Title: Looking Over the Shoulder of a Roman Army Doctor: Roman Military Medicine from Marius to Constantine
Speaker: Maarten Dolmans
Language: The lecture will be given in Dutch.

About the lecture:

The famous Greek physician Hippocrates (c. 460–377 BC) wrote in one of his works: “Whoever wants to become skilled in surgery must go to war.” By this, he meant that wartime offered physicians an opportunity to gain insight into human anatomy and practical experience in treating wounds and fractures, preventing infections and administering medication.

The care provided to wounded soldiers in Antiquity was remarkably advanced. This lecture focuses on military medicine in the Roman army and explores both the medical care provided to soldiers and the general care that helped them become and remain fit for service.

The lecture will examine the original sources, including classical literature, epigraphy and archaeology, as well as the background, legal status, training, equipment and skills of military physicians and other medical personnel. It will also cover military medical facilities such as hospitals and convalescent centres, medical care during peacetime and wartime, medical instruments and medicines, and the general health of Roman soldiers.

About the speaker:

Maarten Dolmans graduated as a historian, provincial Roman archaeologist and journalist. For his graduation theses in history and archaeology, he researched Roman military physicians and military hospitals. He currently works as a heritage policy adviser and senior municipal archaeologist in Venlo.

In his spare time, he conducts research into Roman military medicine, Roman military equipment and Roman folding knives. He is also a Roman reenactor and works as a blacksmith and goldsmith, making replicas of Roman equipment and artefacts in particular.

Location: Archeology House Zuid-Holland, next to the entrance of Museumpark Archeon. Archeonlaan, 2408 ZB Alphen aan den Rijn.

Practical information:

Date: 8 September 2026
Doors open: 19:30
Lecture starts: 20:00
Ends before 22:00

Free parking is available in the Museumpark Archeon car park. There will be a short break. Drinks are available at special Friends of Archeon prices; please pay in cash.

Free tickets – booking is required via:
www.vrienden-archeon.nl/agenda

Reselling or transferring tickets is not permitted.


Maarten Dolmans

Grafsteen van Titus Martius Castrensis

zuil van Traianus met twee artsen die gewonde soldaten behandelen


 

 

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