“The Roman military had a medical system that was extraordinary for the ancient world. It was based on the teachings of Greek medicine and emphasized both prevention – maintenance of conditions for good public health – and healing of battle-wounded soldiers. A nutritious diet, a carefully monitored water supply, and strict rules about sanitation helped keep the troops healthy. One result of this close attention to the soldiers’ well-being was that Roman soldiers actually had average life spans longer than those of civilians, in spite of the dangers they faced in battle.” (Wells, 2003, p.199).

Reference

Wells, P.S. (2003) The Battle That Stopped Rome: Emperor Augustus, Arminius, and the Slaughter of the Legions in the Teutoburg Forest. London: W.W. Norton & Company Ltd.