During the Roman Empire, before Christianity had developed, the Romans started care for the sick with some organization, as we saw in Ancient Greece. Once Christianity was established in the Roman Empire around 313 AD, it had a great importance and began to influence and develop the structure of a hospital drastically. Christian figures, such as nuns and others involved with teachings of religion, took initiative to organize and advocate for the healing of others.
Pre-Christianity structures in Rome were called valetudinaria, which were utilized around 100 BCE. The purpose of these buildings was to provide medical aid to sick slaves and soldiers that had no where else to go. Valetudinaria were significant in providing safe, organized care to those in need.
When Constantinople declared Christianity in 313 and it became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire, many individuals found it significant to incorporate their beliefs into their purpose in everyday life. It became essentials for Romans to live their lives as Jesus Christ did. For many, this was through healing practices that were seen through the acts of Jesus Christ and within the Gospels. This inspired a formal practice of healing and medicine and the definite establishment of hospitals throughout Rome.
In 325 AD, The First Council of Nicaea occurred where the discussion of the Christian church and its issues took place. Following this council called for by Constantine I, the construction of hospitals began in every city with a cathedral. The Romans started to link the idea of Christianity with a strong sense of healing. St. Sampson and St. Basil were two significant figures that advocated for taking care of sick, homeless individuals and in serving their neighbors of life. The Saints followed the Greatest Commandment of loving thy neighbor and pursuing a life that Jesus Christ or any Christian follower should through the work of healing.
Basil created the Basiliad hospital in 369 that houses doctors, nurses and patients and made it a goal to care for others with Christian practice and generosity in mind. It had a purpose of initiating and exemplifying for other hospital-like structures to go forth in good spirits and through the love of God. An imitation of Christ is displayed through the Basiliad hospitals through the power of St. Sampson and St. Basil’s good deeds. The foundation of hospitals is extremely influenced by these two figures, which left an evolutionary impact on healthcare for the world.
The Origin of Hospitals 