An assessment of Christian institutions of care and medicalization in Late Antiquity

Abstract

Christian institutions of care, particularly those related to healthcare and the care of the poor, are believed by some scholars to be one of the most important causes for the spread of Christianity in Late Antiquity. However, historiography pertaining to the medicalization of these institutions is scant, and often scholars are at odds with one another regarding key points on the topic. In this article we review the most important positions, as well as give our own take on the topic, through the analysis of written and archaeological evidence. We have found that most of these institutions were not medicalized, and that those that were did not show any clear signs of following traditional ancient medical sects. We conclude that these institutions can mostly be considered important in Christian expansion by their care for, and not by their cure of, of the poor.