De balneis Puteolanis

Illumination from De balneis Puteolanis -late 13th century manuscript, MS 1474

De balneis Puteolanis (On the Baths of Pozzuoli) is a medieval Latin poem that serves as an important source for the history of medicine, balneotherapy (the treatment of disease by bathing), and the archaeological and social history of the Phlegraean Fields area, particularly the ancient Roman baths located in and around the city of Pozzuoli, near Naples, in southern Italy. The poem is attributed to Peter of Eboli, a poet and medical writer who lived during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. De balneis Puteolanis is notable for its detailed descriptions of the therapeutic uses of various hot springs and mineral baths in the region, which were renowned since antiquity for their healing properties.

Composition and Structure

The poem is composed in Latin and is structured in elegiac couplets, a poetic form commonly used in medieval and ancient Roman literature. It is divided into sections, each dedicated to a specific bath in the Pozzuoli area, describing its location, properties, and the health benefits associated with its waters. The work combines practical medical advice with mythological references and anecdotes, reflecting the medieval understanding of health and disease, as well as the cultural significance of bathing in the Roman world.

Historical Context

During the Middle Ages, the tradition of using thermal baths for health purposes, inherited from Roman and Greek antiquity, experienced a revival in Europe. De balneis Puteolanis reflects this renewed interest in hydrotherapy and provides insights into the medical theories and practices of the time. The Phlegraean Fields area, known for its volcanic activity and thermal springs, was a prominent center for such treatments, attracting visitors from across the continent.

Significance

De balneis Puteolanis is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it offers a glimpse into the medieval practices of balneotherapy, illustrating how ancient Roman baths were still in use and valued for their medicinal properties. Secondly, the poem is a valuable source for the study of medieval Latin literature and the genre of didactic poetry. Thirdly, it contributes to our understanding of the social and cultural history of the Phlegraean Fields region during the Middle Ages.

Manuscripts and Editions

Several manuscripts of De balneis Puteolanis have survived, indicating its popularity and circulation during the medieval period. The poem has been edited and published in various editions, contributing to the study of medieval medicine and literature.

Legacy

The poem's detailed descriptions of the therapeutic uses of thermal waters influenced later medical and scientific works on hydrotherapy. It remains a subject of interest for historians of medicine, archaeology, and literature, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of health, culture, and the natural environment in the medieval world.