Winter 2025 · Torch: U.S. · EXCAVATION OF ROMAN HOSPITAL
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In the midst of October, archaeologists excavated a third-century Roman garrison hospital in the ancient city of Kaunos, located in Turkey’s Muğla Province. This site was later converted into a Christian sanctuary in the late sixth century A.D., which was discovered to be on the upper level of the unearthed hospital.
Starting in 2022, the group of archaeologists began its excavation of Kaunos. Since then, Kaunos has remained famous for its rock-cut tombs and its 5,000-seat theater. They began the excavation of this hospital only two years ago. They found that the hospital itself features a courtyard surrounded by rooms. Upon uncovering the building, archaeologists also found a surplus of medical tools that would have been used by the Romans.
Though the hospital initially served only the military, it was later opened to the public. In ancient Rome, there were very few civilian hospitals: the wealthy received care at home from personal doctors, while those who could not afford medical treatment often resorted to sending prayers in temples. The military, on the other hand, maintained organized fortresses with facilities dedicated to soldiers on the front lines. These military hospitals offered far more advanced medical care than what most civilians had access to.
Specialized surgical tools were often discovered in these military hospitals, many of which serve as precursors to modern medical instruments. The Romans also refined many of their tools to improve their effectiveness in treating wounds.
EXCAVATION OF
ROMAN HOSPITAL
The Roman garrison hospital in Kaunos, which was later transformed into a Christian sanctuary.