What were Roman attitudes towards health and hygiene like?

Roman attitudes towards health and hygiene were advanced for their time, emphasizing cleanliness and public health. They built extensive aqueducts to supply fresh water and constructed public baths that were central to social life, promoting regular bathing as essential for both physical and mental well-being. However, their understanding of hygiene was not always scientific; for instance, they believed in balancing bodily humors rather than germ theory. Overall, Romans valued hygiene as a means to prevent disease and promote a healthy society.