The modern understanding and diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) did not exist in ancient times, so we cannot say for certain that Roman, Spartan, Mongol, or other ancient soldiers experienced PTSD as we understand it today. However, it is highly probable that soldiers in ancient civilizations experienced psychological and emotional consequences as a result of the traumas they endured in battle or military campaigns.
Warfare in ancient times was often brutal and relentless, and soldiers faced traumatic events such as witnessing death, killing others, facing danger, and enduring physical and emotional hardships. These experiences could have had long-lasting effects on the mental well-being of the soldiers.
While the term "PTSD" is a modern construct, historical accounts and texts do suggest that soldiers in ancient times faced psychological and emotional challenges related to their military experiences. For instance:
Roman soldiers: The ancient Romans recognized the psychological impact of war on their soldiers. Roman writers and historians, such as Cicero and Seneca, mentioned the psychological toll of warfare. The concept of "horror" or "terror" (horror belli) was used to describe the distressing effects of combat.
Spartan warriors: Spartan society was highly militarized, and the Spartans were trained for battle from a young age. The extreme emphasis on military prowess and the "warrior culture" could have desensitized Spartan warriors to some of the emotional aspects of warfare. However, they were likely not immune to the psychological toll of traumatic events on the battlefield.
Mongol warriors: The Mongols were known for their ferocity and effective military tactics. They faced brutal and intense warfare, and accounts suggest that some Mongol warriors may have dealt with the psychological aftermath of their conquests.
The coping mechanisms and attitudes toward the psychological effects of war were likely shaped by the cultural and societal norms of each civilization. For example, in some societies, displaying vulnerability or emotional distress might have been discouraged, leading to a lack of documentation of mental health issues. Additionally, the concept of psychological trauma and mental health was not well understood or recognized in ancient times, so soldiers might have struggled without access to formal support systems or treatment.
In summary, while we cannot diagnose PTSD in ancient soldiers, it is reasonable to assume that they faced psychological challenges and emotional consequences resulting from their experiences in warfare. The specific cultural and societal norms of each civilization likely influenced how soldiers viewed and coped with the impact of battle on their mental well-being.